Thousands Gather for Annual Replastering of Mali's Great Mosque of Djenne

On May 12, 2024, thousands of Malians participated in the annual replastering of the Great Mosque of Djenne, the world's largest mud-brick building, despite the ongoing insecurity in the region. The mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been on the organization's World Heritage in Danger list since 2016 due to the threat of conflict between Islamist rebels, government forces, and other groups.

Why this matters: The preservation of cultural heritage sites like the Great Mosque of Djenne is crucial for maintaining national identity and promoting cultural understanding. The success of this annual event sends a powerful message about the resilience of communities in the face of conflict and insecurity, and highlights the importance of protecting cultural landmarks amidst political turmoil.

The Great Mosque of Djenne, located in central Mali, requires a new layer of mud each year before the start of the rainy season in June to prevent it from falling into disrepair. Traditionally, men and boys climb the mosque to apply the fresh layer of mud, while women and girls fetch water from the nearby river to mix with clay to make more mud.

Amadou Ampate Cisse, a Djenne resident, emphasized the significance of the event, saying, "The plastering of the mosque is a symbol of peace. The poor, the rich, everyone is here for this activity. We will continue this tradition from generation to generation. We will pass it on to our children and they in turn will do the same." story

The annual replastering event, which once drew tens of thousands of tourists, has seen a significant decline in tourism due to the insecurity in the region. Moussa Moriba Diakité, head of Djenne's cultural mission, highlighted the importance of preserving Mali's cultural heritage, stating, "A lot of people talk about insecurity, and we hear that we can't come to Djenne because there is insecurity... Despite the disappearance of Djenne's tourism industry, the maintenance of the mosque is something that must continue at any cost."

Mali, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger, is battling an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. The country has seen military coups in recent years, leading to the expulsion of French forces and the introduction of Russia's mercenary units for security assistance.

The Great Mosque of Djenne stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Mali and the resilience of its people in the face of ongoing challenges. As the community comes together to preserve this architectural marvel, they also send a powerful message of unity and the enduring strength of tradition.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands of Malians participated in the annual replastering of the Great Mosque of Djenne despite regional insecurity.
• The mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, requires a new layer of mud each year to prevent disrepair.
• The event promotes cultural understanding and national identity, sending a message of resilience in the face of conflict.
• Tourism has declined due to regional insecurity, but locals continue to prioritize the mosque's maintenance.
• The Great Mosque of Djenne stands as a testament to Mali's rich cultural heritage and the community's unity.