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Great Mosque Of Djenne

Great Mosque Of Djenne

The Great Mosque of Djenne is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic buildings in Africa. Built in the 13th century, it is the largest mud brick structure in the world and a masterpiece of Sudano-Sahelian architecture.

Every year, the mosque attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Many come to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about its rich history. Others come to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the weekly markets in its courtyard.

Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a unique tourist destination in Mali, the Great Mosque of Djenne is sure to impress. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating place!

The History of the Great Mosque of Djenne

The Great Mosque of Djenne is one of the Africa’s  most iconic buildings. The mosque is located in the city of Djenne, Mali, and is the largest mud brick structure in the world. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Mali and the finest example of Sudanese architecture.

The Great Mosque of Djenne was built in the 13th century and has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries. The most recent major renovation was completed in 1907.

Between 1200 and 1300, the first mosque on this property was constructed. According to some earlier records, al-Sadi’s Tarikh al-Sudan, written down in the 17th century, describes the mosque. This text details the mosque's construction and Sultan Kunburu's conversion to Islam. The sultan initially constructed a mosque and surrounding walls to the east, and afterward, his successor expanded the mosque with towers.

The mosque's current construction was constructed in the year 1907. Ismalia Traore oversaw the mosque's construction, and the exterior walls were fashioned like those constructed in the 13th century.

The Design and Architecture of the Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali

The Great Mosque of Djenne is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one of Africa's most iconic buildings. The mosque was made entirely of mud bricks, making it unique worldwide. 

The design of the mosque is based on the traditional Islamic courtyard mosque, with a large central courtyard surrounded by an arcade of columns. The Great Mosque has a rectangular floor design and is enclosed by a wall on the outside.

The walls of the Great Mosque of Djenne are made of mud bricks plastered with mud to give the structure a smooth appearance. Toron, or palm tree sticks, are used as wall decorations. The platform of the mosque is around 3 meters high and 75 meters broad. From the northern side, one enters the mosque.

The roof includes several holes covered with terra-cotta lids, which let fresh air into the inner sections even on the hottest number of holes covered with terra-cotta lids, which let fresh air into the inner sections even on hottest of days.

The prayer wall of the mosque faces east and has three huge minarets. Here, the eastern wall is 3 feet thick and strengthened by adding 18 pillars. The irregularly shaped windows of the prayer hall let light into the room.

If you are looking for a truly unique and beautiful place to visit, then the Great Mosque of Djenne is a place you must see.

What to see and do at the Great Mosque of Djenne

Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, yet even from the outside, it is a magnificent sight. A stroll through the small, scenic streets reveals that the town hasn't changed much since the 14th and 15th centuries.

Djenne holds a market every Monday, and the entire town is busy with visitors and locals. There is an astonishing variety of local goods, but few tourist souvenirs are available. It is, nevertheless, a fascinating view into West African life and culture.

Despite its age, the Great Mosque of Djenne is still actively used today and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mali.

Conclusion

The Great Mosque of Djenne is a beautiful and historic landmark in Mali. It is the largest mud brick structure in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosque is a popular tourist destination, and Visitors can explore the mosque's history and beauty by taking a guided tour.

 

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Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. Every year, millions of people visit Niagara Falls to see the amazing sights and experience the natural wonders of this world-famous destination.

The History of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has been a tourist destination for centuries. The first person to visit Niagara Falls was Father Louis Hennepin, a French missionary, in 1678. He wrote about the beauty of the falls, which attracted other European explorers and settlers to the area.

In the early 19th century, Niagara Falls became a popular honeymoon destination for American couples. The popularity of the falls as a tourist destination grew throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Different Views of Niagara Falls

There are three different ways to view Niagara Falls: from the Canadian side, from the American side, and from above.

·        The Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara Falls. There are several observation decks, viewing areas, and a boardwalk that takes you right to the edge of the falls. You can also take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which gets you up close and personal with the falls.

·        The American side offers different views of Niagara Falls than what you will see from the Canadian side. The most popular spot to view Niagara Falls on the American side is Goat Island, where you can walk out to the edge of Horseshoe Falls. Another great spot for views is Prospect Point Park, where you can get a bird’s eye view of all three waterfalls.

·        For something truly unique, take a trip aboard the Niagara Gorge Railway and enjoy panoramic views of Niagara Falls from above. It is a great way to see all three waterfalls at once and get an idea of how massive they are.

The Edge of the Niagara Falls

The edge of the falls is the best place to see the power of the water as it tumbles over the precipice. Several observation decks along the Niagara Gorge offer breathtaking views of the falls. The Rainbow Bridge, which spans the gorge just upstream from the falls, is a popular spot for picture-taking and boasts an up-close view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Daredevils of Niagara Falls

Since the early days of Niagara Falls, people have been drawn to its raw power and beauty. Over the years, many have attempted to conquer the falls, often with tragic results. Here are some of the most famous (or infamous) daredevils who have taken on Niagara Falls:

·        Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She did it on her 63rd birthday in 1901 to achieve fame and fortune. Thankfully, she survived the stunt and lived to tell the tale.

·        Bobby Leach was the second person to went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. He did it in 1911 and also survived. Later he performed other stunts, including walking across a tightrope stretched over the falls.

·        Charles Stephens attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1920 but died during the attempt. His body is still missing.

·        Red Hill Sr., along with his son Red Hill Jr., became the first (and only) father and son duet, who went over Niagara Falls together in a barrel. They did it in 1951, and both survived.

·        Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 2012. He completed the stunt, which was televised live around the world.

How to get to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are located on the border between the United States and Canada, so there are a few different ways to reach them depending on your location.

If you are coming from the United States, the easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is by car. Several highways lead right to the falls, and once you cross the border into Canada, signs will point you in the right direction.

If you are coming from Toronto or another Canadian city, you can take a bus or train to Niagara Falls.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal with the falls.

·        You can walk along the edges of the waterfall.

·        You can ride an elevator to the top of one of the falls for an incredible view.

·        You can also take a boat tour that takes you right into the spray of the falls.

Travel Guide for Niagara Falls

While planning a trip to Niagara Falls, there are a few things to know before visiting. Here is a travel guide for sightseers that will help you make the most of your trip:

When to Visit: The best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the summer season when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that June through August are also the busiest months at Niagara Falls, so expect large crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for September or October when the weather is still pleasant.

What to See: There is more to see at Niagara Falls than just the falls themselves. Be sure to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close look at the powerful falls, and do not forget to visit Goat Island for some fantastic views. For something truly unique, check out 'Journey Behind the Falls', where you can stand inside a cave behind the raging waters of Horseshoe Falls.

What to Do: Other than sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Niagara Falls. Take a walk along one of the many scenic trails, go whitewater rafting or tubing down the rapids, or take a helicopter.

Where to stay when visiting Niagara Falls

The first question you need to ask when trying to find accommodation in Niagara Falls is, how close to the Falls do you want to be?

If your priority is to walk out of your door and see the Falls, then you can stay in hotels like the Niagara Falls Marriott or the Sheraton on the Falls. Both of these come with a high price tag, so if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of other hotels located a little further away from the Falls. These hotels will still give you easy access to all the main attractions.

If you are hoping to do some wine touring, then it might be worth considering staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint town, situated right in the middle of Ontario's wine country, offers visitors plenty of options for day trips and activities. There are also several good restaurants and cafes, as well as several bed and breakfasts if you are looking for a more intimate accommodation option.

No matter where you choose to stay, there is no doubt that Niagara Falls is an incredible destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders and a must-see for any traveler. With its three massive waterfalls, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world to be visited once in a lifetime. This travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to Niagara Falls, from where to stay and what to do, to how to best experience this natural wonder. So start planning your trip to Niagara Falls today.