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Old Towns of Djenné are a World Heritage Site of Mali. It celebrates Djenné, a township whose history goes back to 250 BC. Between the 15th and 17th century, Djenné became a major trading center in central Africa particularly in salt, gold and slaves. In addition, Djenné became one of the great Islamic learning centers.


Djenné, Mali
Djenné, Mali
Author: Olivierkeita (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)


 The properties under Old Towns of Djenné include four archaeological sites namely Djenné-Djeno, Hambarkétolo, Kaniana and Tonomba. Not excluded is the present township of Djenné itself. Together the sites reflect the culture and Islamic architecture of sub-Saharan Africa.

The prosperity of Djenné was only affected when it received competition from new trading posts established by the Portuguese along the African coast. This diminished the position of the trans-Saharan cavaran routes and brought the once great city into decline.

Old Towns of Djenné was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 12th session of the World Heritage Committee in Brasilia, Brazil, 5 - 9 December, 1988.


Market in Djenné, Mali
Market in Djenné, Mali
Author: Devriese (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N13 54 23.004 W4 33 18 in Mopti region, Mali
Inscription Year: 1988
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: III, IV


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