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Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso: A Historical Marvel

Discover the architectural and cultural significance of Burkina Faso's Grande Mosquée, a stunning example of Sudano-Sahelian design in Bobo-Dioulasso.

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The Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso, also known as the Great Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, stands as a testament to traditional Sudano-Sahelian architecture and Islamic culture in Burkina Faso. Constructed primarily of banco (mud brick), its towering minarets and distinctive wooden pillars create a striking silhouette against the Bobo-Dioulasso skyline.

A brief summary to Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso

  • 5PH3+4H4, Bobo-Dioulasso, BF

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting the mosque, as it is a sacred place.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the mosque's historical significance and architectural features.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views of the mosque bathed in golden light.
  • Be respectful of worshippers and observe the rituals quietly.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near the Musée de la Musique, begin by heading south on Avenue de la Musique. Walk for approximately 600 meters until you reach Boulevard de l'Indépendance. Turn right and continue for around 600 meters. The Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso will be on your left, clearly marked. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    SOTRACO buses serve Bobo-Dioulasso with routes throughout the city. Look for the small blue signs indicating bus stops. Buses operate from 5:45 to 20:30, Monday to Friday; and from 7:00 to 19:45 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. A single ticket costs 150 FCFA , and can be purchased on the bus. The main starting point is Tiéfo Amoro Square.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bobo-Dioulasso. A taxi ride within the city typically starts around 2 euros. Ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Taxis and VTCs (private hire vehicles) are available in Bobo-Dioulasso. Motorcycle taxis are also available.

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Discover more about Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso

The Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso is a captivating landmark in Burkina Faso's cultural landscape. Located in the heart of Bobo-Dioulasso, the country's second-largest city, the mosque is a significant symbol of Islamic heritage and architectural ingenuity. Construction of the mosque began in 1812 and was completed in 1832, with Imam Sakidi Gaoussou Sanou overseeing the project. Oral tradition suggests the mosque's construction may have started near the end of the Battle of Bama in 1874. The mosque's construction was in return for Islamic leader Almamy Sidiki Sanou's help in defending the Kingdom of Sia. The distinctive Sudano-Sahelian design incorporates local materials like banco (mud brick), shea butter, and laterite. Wooden beams, known as toron, project from the walls, serving as both structural support and scaffolding for ongoing maintenance. The mosque's layout features a rectangular plan with a large tower marking the mihrab and qibla on the east facade and a minaret rising from the north facade. Inside, an open courtyard leads to a prayer hall, accommodating up to 800 worshippers. The interior is characterized by a maze of corridors formed by 65 supporting pillars. The mosque is divided into sections for young women, older women, and men, with a special area reserved for the Imam. The roof, made of wooden beams covered with a thick layer of earth, is accessible via narrow staircases and requires community-wide participation for repairs. The Grande Mosquée is more than just a religious site; it's a cultural touchstone that embodies the history and spirit of Bobo-Dioulasso. It attracts tourists and stands as a symbol of unity, with the entire community participating in its upkeep.

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