Gao, Tomb and Mosque of Askia 16th cent - History of Islamic Architecture (sitios de interés)

Descripción del sitio

This marker is part of an extended History of Islamic Architecture

Gao, Mali
Tomb of Askia Mohammed
16th cent
Songhay


The Tomb of Askia in the town of Gao, Mali marks Islamic architecture in sub-Saharan West Africa's beginning. It is situated in one of the flourishing cities of the Sudanese caravan route. Located near the Niger River, the city of Gao became the capital of the Songhay (Songhai) Empire upon its founding in 1493 by Askia Mohammed.
The tomb itself is built of mudbrick measuring about 14 by 18 meters by 10 m high. The earthen exterior walls are distinguished by protruding toron, or stakes, of acacia wood. Such stakes bristling from the walls provide a permanent scaffolding for replastering the mud that has washed away. The tomb is enclosed within the eight-foot wall of the larger mosque complex the area of which is about 45 by 50 meters. For an additional description see Archnet.org



Interior passage of the mosque's compound surrounding the tomb



Text and photos from Archnet.org

Mapa del lugar de interés Gao, Tomb and Mosque of Askia 16th cent

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