The historic mosque that is rebuilt every year!!!

The mosque is one of the fundamental symbols of Muslim civilization. Throughout the ages, they have built new mosques in places where Muslims have settled. According to Muslim belief, it is better to pray in a mosque than to pray at home. In the early days of Islam, besides performing prayers in the mosque, various social activities were also organized. That is, the mosque was the center of all their activities. Due to the economic and cultural potential of the local worshipers and the differences in the historical traditions, the construction style of the mosques is varied. Perhaps a good example of this is the historic mosque, The Great Mosque of Djenne, in the city of Djenne in Mali(Africa). The mosque is very different from the way we build mosques in Asia or the Arab world.

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Djenne mosque construction is still 'free' with modern technology! The mosque was built with the help of soil, sand, and water. However, in order to strengthen the masonry of the walls, palm wood has been used for a certain distance successively, which is called ‘toran’ in the local language. Since it is built of soil, some or all of the mosque has to be renovated every year. As such, it is probably the only ancient mosque in the world that needs to be rebuilt every year. It is also the largest mosque in the world made of clay and sand. The Bani River flows through the heart of the Sahara Desert in the southern part of Mali. The traditional Djenne Mosque has been built on the banks of this river. If you look at the mosque from a distance, you will see an amazing view. The height of the mosque is about 20 meters and the length is about 91 meters. It is built in the local Sudanese-Sahelian architectural style of Africa.

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In 1986, the mosque and the city of Djenne were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city of Djenne was founded in about 250 BC. As such, it is one of the oldest cities in the African sub-Saharan region. But between the 13th and 16th centuries, it underwent unprecedented development and was recognized as an important trade route. Large markets for various valuable products including salt and gold developed here. During this time many Muslim merchants came to Africa for commercial purposes and came in contact with them and many locals converted to Islam. The mosque is thought to have been built sometime between the 12th and 13th centuries. It is said that when Sultan Kunburu converted to Islam, he voluntarily demolished his own palace and built this mosque there.

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Later, Kunburu's successors renovated it at various times and changed the design. However, the current design of the mosque was built in 1908. The design of the mosque has changed more than once, mainly due to natural disasters. However, the Islamic pattern was evident in all the designs. This mosque has been playing an important role in the propagation of Islam in the region from the past to the present. In particular, regular Holy Quran teaching sessions have been seen in the streets of mosques till now. The mosque has three separate minarets separately. There are also hundreds of small structures resembling minarets. The towers are lined with multiple palm trees in a row, with some resemblance to the design of the Christian Church. That is why the French journalist Felix Dubois returned from Mali in 1900 and claimed that the mosque was built in imitation of the Church! However, according to experts, the mosque was built following the local architectural style, not the church.

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The interior of the mosque is very cold even on hot days. Inside, about 3,000 people can perform prayers together. 90 strong wooden columns have been used to support the walls and roof of the mosque. There are multiple windows on the roof and walls to allow light and air to enter the interior. However, the problem is in the rainy season. The walls and roof of the mosque were partially damaged in the rain. For this reason, the festival of rebuilding the mosque is celebrated in April every year on a voluntary basis, which is locally called ‘La Cripisaji’ or ‘Palastara Day’. The mosque was repaired and kept ready before it rained heavily in Mali from July to August. Currently, only a small part of the mosque is damaged every year. Even then, the main reason for continuing this reform every year is to celebrate the festival. Because almost all the locals participate in it and it is their long tradition. On the night before the festival, the locals decorate the whole city and they ask Allah for forgiveness for their sins. They then perform a special dance called ‘La Nuti’ and walk down the street singing various mourning songs and religious songs. Then in the morning, they started renovating the mosque.

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It is a matter of pride for every resident of the city of Djenne to be able to participate in the construction of the mosque. Because it is a work of good fortune and virtue for them at the same time. However, it is very difficult to give all people the opportunity to participate in this work together. Therefore, one delegation from each society was given the opportunity to participate in this reform work. They carefully apply a new layer of clay to the walls and repair the damaged area. About 60 professional mechanics conduct and monitor their activities. Usually, young people are given the opportunity to participate more in this work. They collect mud from the Bani River in baskets on their heads and use it as a wall covering. Each team is assigned a specific area to apply. The most beautiful coating is awarded 50,000 African francs.

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Although only selected people can participate in the main work, systematically the entire city dwellers participate in it. Even children help their community delegation collect mud. Women are busy watering the thirsty workers. Interestingly, only on this one day of the year can women enter the mosque. Nowhere else in the world is there a precedent for such a united effort to reform the mosque. A mosque has bound the whole of Djenne town in a bond of brotherhood.

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