It is also one of the most famous landmarks in Africa. Located in the city’s large market square, the mosque is actually the third to have been built at the site. The most recent mosque was constructed in 1907.
Built using mud bricks (called ferey), the mosque has unique architecture. It is reinforced with large logs of wood (torons) that stick out from the building. The wood pieces extend about two feet. The walls are between 15-23 inches thick. Part of the mosque, which stands on an almost 10-feet-high large platform, is an open prayer courtyard. Several openings in the roof allow for light and fresh air. During the rainy season, terracotta (clay) lids are used to close the openings. There are three tall minarets (prayer towers). If you look at the very top of the different minarets, you can see the shapes of ostrich eggs, symbols of purity and fertility.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Faces - The Magazine of People, Places and Cultures for Kids.
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This story is from the March 2020 edition of Faces - The Magazine of People, Places and Cultures for Kids.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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