Where is Timbuktu situated?
Mali
Timbuktu, French Tombouctou, city in the western African country of Mali, historically important as a trading post on the trans-Saharan caravan route and as a centre of Islamic culture (c. 1400–1600). It is located on the southern edge of the Sahara, about 8 miles (13 km) north of the Niger River.
Where was the city of Djenne djeno located?
Djenné-Djenno
| Djené-Djeno | |
|---|---|
| Location | Djené Cercle, Mali |
| Coordinates | 13°53′26″N 4°32′25″WCoordinates: 13°53′26″N 4°32′25″W |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Official name | Old Towns of Djenné |
What is special about the city of Djenne?
Djenne; also known as Djénné, Jenné and Jenne) is a town and an urban commune in the Inland Niger Delta region of central Mali. The town is famous for its distinctive adobe architecture, most notably the Great Mosque which was built in 1907 on the site of an earlier mosque.
Can you go inside the Great Mosque of Djenne?
Nevertheless, the village surrounding the mosques is friendly and very welcoming to visitors. You get your best experience with a local tour guide who wakes-you up very early in the morning to see the mosque while the sun-rises as you walk the narrow streets between the historic town. It is a must see!!!
Why was the city of Djenne location a benefit?
The city benefited both from its direct connection by river with Timbuktu and from its situation at the head of the trade routes to the gold mines of Bitou (now in Côte d’Ivoire), to Lobé, and to Bouré; it was also an important entrepôt for salt.
Is Djenné safe?
Djenne is another ancient city on the old Sahara trading routes in Mali. And Djenne is well known for its historic, mud mosque, considered the largest in the world. And from a security perspective, Djenne is considered on the safety bubble, not as dangerous as the north.
Is it safe to travel to Djenne?
To put you in context, Djenné is a town located in Central Mali, in an area where all governments advise against all travel, since Islamic-controlled villages are located less than 20km away and the road connecting Ségou with Djenné has suffered from sporadic attacks.
Can you visit Djenne?
Most travelers visiting Djenné will enter the old town by taking a ferry. The ferry, an experience in itself, is manned by a bunch of very interesting and playful staff. For example, think of a rastaman wearing a bicycle helmet and calling himself ”Mama Africa”.
Where was the Great Mosque of Djenne built?
The central mosque of this Mali town is entirely built from mud. Rising up at the center of Djenné, Mali, is the Great Mosque. Built in 1907, everything from its minarets to its spired walls is constructed from mud.
Where are Djenne and Mopti located in Mali?
Djenné and Mopti are two towns situated on the inland delta of the Niger River in Mali. They are notable as centres of the cloth trade and for their architecture (see African architecture).
When was the old town of Djenne named a World Heritage Site?
In 1988, the old Town of Djenné and its Great Mosque were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Martin Gray is a cultural anthropologist, writer and photographer specializing in the study and documentation of pilgrimage places around the world. During a 38 year period he has visited more than 1500 sacred sites in 165 countries.
Why was Djenne important as a pilgrimage site?
In addition to its commercial importance, Djenné, was also known as a center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage, attracting students and pilgrims from all over West Africa. Its Great Mosque dominates the large market square of Djenné.