The oldest mosque in Mali’s ancient city of Timbuktu – the Great Mosque - is being restored. The annual tradition is a significant event for the local community who have been responsible for the upkeep of the colossal building for centuries. 


Timbuktu

The Great Mosque in Mali's ancient city of Timbuktu, known to be the oldest mosque in the area, is currently undergoing restoration. This activity is part of an annual tradition, emphasizing the local community's long-standing responsibility for maintaining the structure. The event is a significant occasion for the residents of Timbuktu, reflecting their dedication to preserving the mosque for centuries.



Timbuktu's oldest mosque restored in annual festival

more. Excitement on the streets of Timbuktu. The city's people have come to get their hands dirty. They're all here to help re-plaster this, one of the three great mosques in the ancient town, considered the gateway to the Sahara desert. The plastering of the mosque is an annual tradition here in Timbuktu. It's a big festival, everyone takes part, old and young alike. That's what has enabled the mosque to survive to the present day. It's thanks to the work we do every year. There's an almost carnival-type atmosphere in the air. Everyone has a role to play. Craftsmen prepare the mud. Baobab powder is added to the mixture. The consistency has to be just right. Aisha Haddare explains that the festival isn't only about re-plastering one of Timbuktu's world heritage sites. It strengthens social cohesion and cultural mixing. Here, there is no race, there is no ethnicity, there is no religion. We've come to celebrate, we've come to dress up the mosque and to give a positive vision of the city of Timbuktu. For some, the annual festival is a welcome escape from a difficult life in a troubled region of the world. It's a time when, once a year, people really come together to smear themselves with mud and have fun. It shows our joie de vivre and our resilience despite all the difficulties we face all day long. While this annual restoration is a festival of fun, prayer guides the hands that do the work. Praying over the mixture that will help the building battle the harsh elements for another year. This mosque has stood for 700 years, and one handful of plaster at a time, these masons say they will make sure it stands for another 700, if not more. Michael Appel, Al Jazeera.

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