Raquel Barrio Recio
The Great Mosque
Across the street from Dioulassoba, the oldest district of the city of Bobo Dioulasso, is the largest mosque in Burkina Faso. It was built in 1890, is constructed of adobe, and is a unique example of African Sudanese architecture. The result is a fine blend of religious devotion and the political art of the King of Sya. Threatened by the King of Kenedougou, the King of Sya asked for help from Sidiki Almamy Sanou, a Muslim leader who offered the use of his army in exchange for the construction of the mosque. The defeated King was sentenced to work on the site as a builder. The cool interior of the mosque is a haven of peace and quiet in the middle of the bustling city and offers one an invitation to go there to meditate.
In 2000, during the Paris-Dakar Rally, many travellers were attracted to the event and came to visit the mosque without removing their dirty boots that were muddy. This caused it to be barred to tourists for several years, but recently it has reopened its doors, and you can now visit it again! At the door there is always some young person willing to look after your shoes in exchange for a tip.
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