Djenné (also Dienné or Jenne) is a city on the Bani River in southern Mali with a population of about 12,000 (in 1987). It is famous for its mud brick architecture, most notably the Great Mosque of Djenné, rebuilt in 1907. In the past, Djenné was a centre of trade and learning, and has been conquered a number of times since its founding. Its historic city center was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

History

---

Djenné was founded in about 300 BCE by the Bozo people at a site known as Djenné-Jeno, 1.5 km upstream. It moved its site in either 1043 or the 13th century, when the city converted to Islam. This increased its importance as a market and a base for trans-Saharan trade, soon rivalling Timbuktu.

Djenné was part of the Mali Empire between 1325 and 1473; the Songhai Empire under Sonni Ali subsequently took charge. In 1591, Morocco conquered the city. By the 1600s, Djenné had become a thriving centre of trade and learning. Caravans from Djenné frequented southern trading towns like Begho, Bono Manso, and Bonduku.

More on [ Djenné ]