The city of Djenné is a historic commercial enclave located in the inland delta of the Niger River. It was, together with Timbuktu and Mopti, one of the great cities of the Sudan. Djenné has retained the prerogatives of a fortress set amidst the water that its founders wanted to confer upon it twelve centuries ago. In the past the city was a center of commerce and education. In the time of the caravans, its port was an important point for exchanging salt for grain, gold, slaves, shea butter, ivory, among other products. Djenné is famous for its characteristic earth architecture. In its center the Great Mosque Komboro Mosque is built, with high minarets protruding between the roofs of the houses. It is the most outstanding monument of Sudanese architecture.
|
