Djenné, Ancient trading city in Mopti Region, Mali.
Djenné is a city in Mopti Region where buildings are constructed entirely from sun-dried earth bricks in a regional architectural style. The structures form a compact whole along the riverbank, with the Great Mosque's pointed towers rising above the rooflines.
The city was founded around 300 CE and grew into a major hub for trans-Saharan trade routes. French colonization in 1893 brought this period of commercial expansion to an end.
The Great Mosque stands as the focal point where residents come together for maintenance work each year to keep the structure sound. This shared responsibility binds the community and defines how people relate to their most important building.
The city sits several hours' drive from the nearest major airport, and lodging and transportation should be arranged in advance. The best time to visit is during drier months when roads are most passable.
On Mondays, the area around the mosque becomes a large market where merchants from surrounding villages bring goods and farm products. This weekly gathering remains an active link between the city and the countryside around it.
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