Touba, Religious capital in Diourbel Region, Senegal
Touba is a city in Mbacké Department in Senegal's Diourbel Region, built around religious practice and community. The Great Mosque dominates the skyline with distinctive minarets and large domes that serve as visual landmarks throughout the area.
A religious leader founded the settlement in the late 1800s on previously undeveloped land, establishing it as the spiritual center of a major faith movement. From this beginning, the place grew rapidly into one of Senegal's largest cities.
The name Touba means 'refuge,' reflecting the deep religious commitment that shapes daily life here. People from surrounding regions come to practice their faith and gather for prayers together throughout the year.
The city operates under its own governance and follows distinctive local rules that affect daily life and visiting practices. Travelers should learn about local customs beforehand to ensure respectful and smooth interactions.
A library in the city carefully preserves tens of thousands of Qurans and personal writings from the religious founder. This collection offers rare insight into the spiritual heritage and intellectual life of the place.
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