The Story of a Mosque Restoration by the People of "Jene" in Mali Every Year

SadaNews - "The Great Mosque of Mali" in the city of Jene, in the center of the country, is the most famous adobe mosque in the world, and for this reason, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included the city in its list of World Heritage sites.

As part of the "Story of a Mosque" series on Al Jazeera Documentary, the people of Jene discuss the significance and symbolism of the Great Mosque for them.

The mosque is built from mud bricks, which provide natural ventilation and air conditioning for worshippers inside, allowing them to pray and worship in complete comfort.

In order to preserve the mosque against factors such as the scorching sun and rainwater, the city's residents restore it annually in an enthusiastic festival that everyone participates in.

The master builder in Jene, Bamouy Traore, explains the process of selecting the appropriate clay to make the bricks, as well as the materials mixed with the clay to be applied to the mosque's walls, explaining the necessary fermentation period for the mixed clay before use.

In the past, each neighborhood of the city would take responsibility for restoring a specific part of the mosque, but the situation has changed now due to economic conditions.

All the city’s residents participate in the restoration process, along with visitors who come specifically for this event, which takes place with noticeable enthusiasm, especially from children and youth.

The mosque restoration process is not limited to men; women also participate in several tasks such as bringing the fermented clay to the mosque's site, as well as providing the water needed for the restoration process and drinking and washing water for those involved, but they feel happy to take charge of preparing food for the participants.

The people of Jene affirmed their desire to maintain the mosque as it is to continue its important spiritual, educational, and symbolic role for the city.

Source: Al Jazeera