Thousands of Malians gathered in Djenne this weekend to participate in the annual replastering of the Great Mosque, the world's largest mud-brick building. This ritual is crucial for preserving the integrity of the historic structure, which has been on UNESCO's World Heritage in Danger list since 2016.
The Great Mosque of Djenne, located in the center of Mali, serves as a symbol of peace and unity for the community. The mosque and the surrounding town have faced threats from conflicts involving Islamist rebels, government forces, and other groups, jeopardizing the region's rich cultural heritage.
Each year before the rainy season begins in June, the mosque requires a fresh layer of mud to prevent deterioration. The replastering event, which used to attract tens of thousands of tourists annually, has seen a decline in visitors due to the overall decrease in Mali's tourism industry.
During the event, men and boys are responsible for applying the new mud layer to the mosque, while women and girls fetch water from the nearby river to mix with clay for the plastering process. This tradition of communal effort and cultural preservation is passed down from generation to generation.
Despite security concerns in the region, local residents and cultural authorities are determined to continue the annual replastering of the mosque. The event is seen as a vital practice that must be upheld at all costs to safeguard Mali's cultural legacy.
Mali, along with neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Niger, is grappling with insurgencies led by armed groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Recent military coups in the region have prompted shifts in security arrangements, with the ruling juntas seeking assistance from various sources to combat the threats.
