Mali’s historic city of Djenné laments decline in visitors despite its rich Islamic heritage | World News

The historic city of Djenné in Mali, once a vibrant center of Islamic learning, is now facing a crisis as the lack of visitors threatens its economy and cultural heritage. Kola Bah, a former tour guide in Djenné, used to support his large family by showcasing the city’s iconic mud-brick mosque to tourists. However, with the ongoing conflict between jihadi rebels, government forces, and other groups, tourism has dwindled, leaving Bah and many others out of work.

The Grand Mosque of Djenné, the world’s largest mud-brick building, used to attract tens of thousands of visitors annually. Now, the city is struggling to survive as the violence and instability in Mali continue to deter tourists. Despite the challenges, locals like Bah remain hopeful that the crisis will eventually end, and business will return to normal.

In the midst of this turmoil, the annual ritual of replastering the Grand Mosque serves as a symbol of unity and pride for the community. Led by experienced masons like Bamouyi Trao Traoré, the residents come together to preserve their cultural heritage despite the hardships they face.

As Mali grapples with political instability and economic hardship, the future of Djenné remains uncertain. The director of Mali’s national tourism agency, Sidi Keita, laments the sharp decline in tourism and the absence of visitors in the country. With the tourism industry virtually non-existent, many Malians are struggling to make ends meet, adding to the growing frustration and anger over the ongoing crisis.

As the people of Djenné work to preserve their heritage and rebuild their community, the challenges they face serve as a stark reminder of the impact of conflict on both a cultural and economic level. Despite the hardships, the resilience and determination of the residents of Djenné shine through as they strive to protect their city’s rich history and traditions in the face of adversity.