Great Mosque of Djenné

Definition

The Great Mosque of Djenné is a famous mosque located in Djenné, Mali. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of Sudano-Sahelian architecture and is made primarily out of mud bricks.

Analogy

Picture a massive sandcastle made by expert builders using wet sand mixed with clay. Now imagine that it's actually a grand mosque! That's how incredible the Great Mosque of Djenné looks.

Related terms

Sudano-Sahelian Architecture: Sudano-Sahelian architecture refers to a style prevalent in West Africa, characterized by the use of mud-brick structures with distinctive features such as wooden beams projecting from walls.

Mud Bricks: Mud bricks are building materials made by mixing clay soil with water and other organic materials, then drying them in the sun or firing them in kilns.

Minaret: A minaret is a tall tower typically found near mosques, used for calling Muslims to prayer. The Great Mosque of Djenné has three minarets.