Wonder Of The World From The List Modern

Wonder Of The World From The Listmodern

Hist 111 may 30 2017 choose a Wonder of the World from the list modern. The Great Mosque of Djenné is interpreted as a modern wonder due to its architectural significance, cultural importance, and sustainable building practices. This paper explores its historical origin, architectural features, construction materials, community conservation efforts, and contemporary significance, asserting that it is a remarkable example of cultural heritage and sustainable architecture, justifying its designation as a Wonder of the World.

Paper For Above instruction

The Great Mosque of Djenné, located in Mali, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural heritage of sub-Saharan Africa. Recognized today as one of the most impressive examples of Sudano-Sahelian architecture, the mosque exemplifies the fusion of traditional African motifs with Islamic architectural principles. Its status as a modern wonder is grounded in its historical significance, architectural uniqueness, construction methodology, and ongoing community-driven preservation efforts.

Historically, the site of the Great Mosque has been a focal point of religious and social life in Djenné for centuries. Originally constructed in the 13th century by King Koi Konboro after his conversion to Islam, the earliest structure was built with mud bricks, a common material in the region, due to its availability and insulating properties. However, over the centuries, this original structure deteriorated, prompting repeated reconstructions. The current mosque, the third iteration, was rebuilt in 1907 by local masons under French colonial guidance, maintaining traditional building techniques and materials. The continuous rebuilding is a reflection of the community's strong commitment to maintaining their cultural and religious heritage.

Architecturally, the Great Mosque is distinguished not only by its size but also by its integration of regional African motifs with Islamic design elements. Constructed primarily with adobe — a mixture of sand, clay, water, and organic binders like straw or manure — the mosque exemplifies eco-friendly architecture suited to Mali’s environment. Adobe bricks are sun-baked and laid without mortar, relying on precise craftsmanship to ensure structural stability. Adobe’s insulating qualities help keep the interior cool amid Mali’s hot climate, demonstrating a sustainable approach compatible with regional conditions.

The mosque features a monumental presence with its massive walls that rise from a raised platform, about 245 feet in height, dominating the environs. Its façade includes three minarets, a series of columns creating visual rhythm, and conical towers topped with symbolic ostrich eggs, representing fertility and purity. The enclosed prayer hall aligns toward Mecca, adhering to Islamic tradition, while the façade and interior incorporate Sudano-Sahelian motifs, such as ceramic roof caps that open at night to ventilate the interior and earthen pillars marking the graves of local dignitaries. Structural support is provided by palm wood timbers, serving decorative, supportive, and scaffolding purposes during maintenance.

Community engagement plays a vital role in preserving the structural integrity of the mosque. Since 2004, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has initiated a conservation project aimed at restoring and maintaining the mosque. Central to this effort is the annual Crepissage de la Grand Mosquée festival, during which hundreds of community members gather to reapply a plaster mixture made of mud, water, and organic materials to the mosque’s surface. This event is not merely a maintenance activity but a cultural festival that consolidates community bonds, preserves traditional masonry techniques, and sustains the mosque’s physical and cultural integrity.

Beyond its architectural and cultural significance, the Great Mosque of Djenné also supports the local economy through tourism. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts visitors from around the world, contributing to economic sustenance for Djenné’s 13,000 residents. Its role extends beyond religious functions; it remains a symbol of regional identity and resilience. The mosque’s ongoing preservation efforts ensure that it remains a vibrant center for worship, education, and community gathering—hallmarks of its role as a physical and cultural monument.

In conclusion, the Great Mosque of Djenné epitomizes a modern wonder through its remarkable construction, enduring cultural significance, and sustainable architectural practices. Its preservation exemplifies community resilience and cultural pride, making it a compelling candidate for global recognition as a Wonder of the World. The mosque’s enduring legacy demonstrates how traditional building techniques, when preserved and adapted, can serve as models for sustainable architecture and cultural preservation in the modern world.

References

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