Abdullah and his Journey to the Grand Masjid of Djenne

The Grand Mosque of Djenne was built around the 13th century, but the current structure dates from 1907. As well as being the centre of the community of Djenné, it is one of the most famous landmarks in Africa.

The entire community of (Djenné, Mali) takes an active role in the mosque's maintenance via a unique annual festival. This includes music and food, but has the primary objective of repairing the damage inflicted on the mosque in the past year (mostly erosion caused by the annual rains and cracks due to temperature and humidity).

In the days leading up to the festival, the plaster is prepared in pits. It requires several days to cure but needs to be periodically stirred, a task usually falling to young boys who play in the mixture, thus stirring up the contents. Men climb onto the mosque's built-in scaffolding and ladders made of palm wood and use the handmade plaster over the facade of the mosque.

Following along in this beautifully illustrated adventure with Abdullah his beloved grandfather Baba Ali.

Baba Ali wishes to visit the Grand Mosque  one more time and participate in the yearly repair done by the Mud-masons and the community! Will they finally reach the Grand Mosque in time to help the crowd with the mud repair?

Soft Cover, 27 pgs

Ages 6yrs+