Ghana: The jewel box Photo

Photographer’s Note

"Copyright © – Attila Szili.
The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved."

Located in the Northern region 120km south west of Tamale and 6km from Mole National Park, the 13th century Larabanga mosque is one of the oldest mosques in West Africa and is the oldest mosque in Ghana. It is believed to be first built by Moorish Traders and is one of the holiest sites in Ghana. Each year the mosque must be renovated due to damage to the mud walls, during the rainy season. The mosque is a small mud building that was construced with the aid of sticks that poke from the exterior. It is painted white each year by the town's residents. To finance every year's renovation, apart the money of the country's government, the residents collect also donations of the visitors. Only Muslim visitors are allowed to enter the mosque.
When I visited it, I was very lucky because the renovation was nearly finished and there were only some sticks to be painted.
The just renovated briliant white, small mosque reminded me an outstanding jewel box, in the middle of a village of red-mudded houses.

Paolo, flory, siolaw, kri54, johnnyh, John_F_Kennedy, maximage, bostankorkulugu, Wanda1, leo61, Photo65Net, chrisnet, sufi, papagolf21, grigand, josepmarin, elmec, lilimih33, sarahnatalie, Hellas, vinicio, Graal, riclopes, PixelTerror, Vato_Law, stego, axiotea, parbo, albertopiubello, sabyasachi1212, Buin, Emile, Cricri, Didi, turkamerikali, cunejo200, dorte_s_t, syd1946, john_c, abulafia, JCG, brevbrev14, Asiulus ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

siolaw (25788) 2007-03-06 4:44

Hi attila,
Another surprising architecture for a mosque, fine colors and details.. good daily life scene showing the people taking care oof it and renovating their mosque... fine capture
Laurent

kri54 (1515) 2007-03-06 4:45

très surprenant, beau cadrage,belles couleurs

molla (6885) 2007-03-06 4:46

Yea! hej attila!
This is some of the places i would dream of travelling to. with there fantastic odd arcitechture. may when kids have getting older its possible

gemlik (969) 2007-03-06 4:49

Dear Attila,
Yes your beautiful photograf on here after long time,
Excellent composition and very interesting arcitecture.The light and colors are beautiful also good contrast.Tfs with your rich explanation.
Best regards
Bulent

recepyuksel (17786) 2007-03-06 5:05

Excellent composition and photo technique.
be

andante (7092) 2007-03-06 6:25

Crazy architectural shot... this building can be the envy of lots of modern days architects. The light is a little harsh... but who cares, the interaction of the people and the building tops everything else. Great capture!
Regards,
Enrique

gilou530 (35350) 2007-03-06 7:39

salut attila
impressionnantes ces maisons avec ce blanc qui flashe bien a l'écran, un pays a visiter absolument une belle lumiére et de belles couleurs
amitiés
gilbert

johnnyh (637) 2007-03-06 7:46

Great photo Attila, very unusual place and thanks for sharing and supplying very interesting notes, have a nice day and best regards John.

John_F_Kennedy (31609) 2007-03-06 7:51

Never seen this before!!! Lovely colours, lovely local architecture. A beautiful composition taken on a nice sunny day.
Well done
Achim

maximage (13478) 2007-03-06 9:58

Bonjour Attila
Impressionnantes constructions, tout à fait particulières et insolites.
Belle scène de vie que ces jeunes gens qui rénovent la mosquée.
Belle image et note très instructive.
Amitiés.
max

Gerrit (35861) 2007-03-06 10:26

Hi Attila,
whatr aremarkable building and so small. The tree seems to be part of it.
Good shot with fine light and colours.
rehards, Gerrit

Wanda1 (11001) 2007-03-06 11:30

Hi Attila,
A wonderful and interesting shot of this amazing building contrasting with the surrounding landscape. I like that you have managed to capture some people in the shot to give us a good sense of scale.
Regards
Wanda

ahmetgedikli (21946) 2007-03-06 12:17

Hi Attila,
Wonderful architecture! Excellent details, beautiful colours... Nice work!
Greetings.
Ahmet

leo61 (43438) 2007-03-06 13:09

Hi Attila!
Good shot of this for us very strange architecture.Good light control and sharpness.I like how the mosque is framed by the people at different positions and the tree behind.The contrast with the orange sand is great too.
Regards,leo

Photo65Net (43096) 2007-03-06 13:25

HEllo Attila,
You caught great contrast between this white building, a great sky, and beautiful orange sand.
Very nice picture,
Regards,
JB.

ibhm (309) 2007-03-06 13:48 [Comment]

Show Comment

chrisnet (20376) 2007-03-06 14:03

Hi Attila,
It's a original architecture for a mosque, good framing and colors, very interesting shot and comment. Thanks for sharing.
Best wishes
Christian

sufi (9568) 2007-03-06 14:15

Merhaba Attila, my friend...
What an interesting mosque... It's a wonderful handmade architecture... The colors, the light and the details are perfect. Also educational and interesting note too...
TFS...
Stay well..
Salim.

Fis2 (45993) 2007-03-06 14:53

Witaj Attila!
Hm curious object. I like the composition and frame. Good colors. Persons make impression.
Regards
Krzysztof

Gustaw (21670) 2007-03-06 14:59

Hi, my friend!
It is very interesting and very oryginal view. I very like this architecture. It is photo to NG. Good composition and conception. Well done. Nice colours and light.
Marek

grigand (12658) 2007-03-06 16:34

Ciao Attila,
Queste costruzioni sono incredibili e affascinanti.Bello il gioco di ombre dei paletti sul muro bianco.
Ciao
Andrea

josepmarin (33837) 2007-03-06 16:44

Hi Attila,
Correct composition of this mosque and his peculiar typical architecture of this country.
The lighting is worn out well and the colors are vivacious, brilliant and very beautiful.
The presence of the people around it gives very much dynamism and catches the environment of this village.
Good work.
Regards, my friend,
Josep

sergio1 (12150) 2007-03-06 17:37

Hi Attila

Wonderful and exotic architecture. I like the composition and pov. Nice scene to people working...

Rgs
Sergio

elmec (12194) 2007-03-06 17:41

Hello Attila!
Such an interesting building!
Great scene with people walking around!
Perfect light and sharpness!
Congratulations!
Best regards!

lilimih33 (9874) 2007-03-06 17:48

Hello Attila!
Very intersting and strange architecture!
Nice colours, light and clarity!
Excellent done!
Lili

sarahnatalie (693) 2007-03-06 18:44

Hi Attila!
Fascinating image and very well-captured. I have seen a construction like this one (also a Mosque) in the film Moolaade- which I think was made in Burkina Faso. It is a very interesting structure. Nice daily life scene, too.
Sarah

paura (38626) 2007-03-06 18:50

Very interesting construction here, Attila. Nice shot to show us this place. Very well done.

Paulo

Graal (58169) 2007-03-07 2:35

Jó napot Attila,
unusual mosque, interesting note, good captured theme, fine quality of photo. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

vinicio (22414) 2007-03-07 3:24

Ciao Attila, mi hai fatto conoscere questo tipo di costruzioni e devo dire che mi piacciono molto, hanno una forma e un fascino grafico molto belli, grazie. Per la foto è un ripetermi di complimenti, ha un impatto ed un atmosfera molto belli e particolari, bravo.
Buona giornata
Ciao
Vinicio

papagolf21 (56483) 2007-03-07 3:40

Cher Attila,
Je remercie l'infatigable voyageur de nous présenter de telles photographies.
Image toujours aussi étonnante fort bien présentée et qui nous apprend beaucoup.
Merci.
Amitiés.
Philippe

riclopes (33033) 2007-03-07 4:33

Wow, fascinating architecture, Attila. The places you show here are really incredible and delicious for my taste. Excellent daily life shot, with the villagers painting the jewel. Congratulations and tfs.
Regards,
Ricardo

PixelTerror (86282) 2007-03-07 5:00

Szia Attila,
This wide version of the mosque is very nice as well, and the whites are shining making the image very vivid, you came here at the right time to add this yearly action that shows how this landmark building is kept to life by the locals.
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

vincz (19043) 2007-03-07 5:27

Very unique shot Attila. with your pictures we really travel in different dimensons. Tehse houses are totally unique and you ctached them extremely well wit all the people around.

bostankorkulugu (33708) 2007-03-07 6:14

attila hi!... splendid architecture... beautiful shot... i like this one a lot with all the people around, also the colours are cool... take care my friend...

korkut:)

dwilkows (20) 2007-03-07 8:59 [Comment]

Show Comment +

Vato_Law (11682) 2007-03-07 16:16

Hello Attila,
Another fine example of your good work and effort to show us something different about our world every day. I remember the architectural kind of this mosque on one of your previous shots, but this pure white on its walls is just great and shows well how interested the inhabitants of this village are in preserving their most valuable and beloved things.
Cheers.
Paulo

smash2707 (2516) 2007-03-07 21:43

I had never seen this mosquee before. Nice colors, light and sharpness. Good composition with the people reniovating it. Regards, Yvonne

axiotea (16145) 2007-03-07 23:45

Bonjour Attila,
A well chosen POV showing the beautiful and very special mosque with men busy painting it. The strong light is well managed, colors are well rendered and framing is perfect. A nice one! Directly to my theme "more fav.pictures'.
Cheers,
Marilyn

flory (4804) 2007-03-08 3:06

ciao Attila,
interesting this mosque from Ghana..see those people there,worked and enjoyed for the renovation...good pov/warm colors..I'm glad because you travel there and show us so interesting scene..
nice day,
flroy

AiresSantos (42354) 2007-03-08 4:58

Another great shot from Africa, dear Attila !
Very interesting architecture, very well captured. Excellent colours, light and details.
TFS and greetings

parbo (10970) 2007-03-08 11:13

Hi Attila,

This is superb! Your way shows us wonderful images from your trips. I like again the well known style from your earlier post. White outside, wooden sticks in mood are creating splendid view. Backside with tree and houses are makes your frame richest with a lot visitors. Congratulations.

Sorry my late visit, I was busy and gave a break since few weeks and you already posted a beautiful photo.

Friendly Regards,

Ertugrul

albertopiubello (2591) 2007-03-08 12:56

Ciao Attila,
metto subito questo capolavoro tra le mie favorite! Che meraviglia! Presa da un angolo perfetto.
Ma tu sei come il re Mida perchè ogni foto fatta da te diventa un capolavoro...
Alberto

sabyasachi1212 (19546) 2007-03-08 13:15

Hi Attila,
I have never seen a mosque like this. Very unique. Thanks for the note, very informative. Excellent setting too with the final touches being put in place.
With Greetings from India
Sabyasachi

Buin (37834) 2007-03-08 13:39

Hallo Attila!
A photo in the best sense of TrekEarth! It's not an everyday's one, technical brilliant, interesting and it has an informative note. Thank you for showing this. A beautiful picture!
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

t0mmm1 (5434) 2007-03-08 15:42

Ciao Attila,
ci stai regalando veramente le foto incredibili... Proprio ieri sfogliavo il libro di National Geographic con non so quante piu' belle foto di tutti i tempi e una era proprio come questa... solo qualche giorno prima. I lavoratori sono ancora sui pali e pitturano l'edificio. Beh, forse non e' la stessa moschea... ma il feeling e' lo stesso... e tu potresti anche finire in un libro simile ;))
***
Approposito di finire... com'e andata la domenica... vedo che sei ancora vivo e vegeto ;))))

Emile (20007) 2007-03-08 23:31

Hola Attila.
Very interesting architecture, very different if compared with the classical mosque we know. The people painting and cleaning add to your shot. Good colors and composition.
Well done. TFS.

jhm (82759) 2007-03-09 8:16

Hi Attila,

Again a wonderful picture from these specially Mosque, a pity that only Muslim visitors are allowed to enter the mosque.
Nice composition and splendid colours too! TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

Cricri (43220) 2007-03-09 8:57

Hi Attila,
Vraiment trés particuliére l'architecture de la Mosquée, un sol chaud sous une bonne lumiére, joli jeu ombre sur la Mosquée, et jolies scénes du peuples, compliment
bonne journée
amitié
cricri

ps) je suis rentrer hier soir de Budapest, malheureusement je ne suis restée que deux nuits, mais ce que j'en ai pu voir m'a émerveillée, par l'accueille des habitants, un vrai trésort en architectures, la beauté du Danube....meme si je n'ai pas réussi toutes mes photos, j'en garde un trés beau souvenir de votre pays, amicalement,

stego (22374) 2007-03-09 22:25

Hi Attila,
I thought I ahd already written anything about this ... jewel.
It surely looks like a cute box or a children toy. The photo is very great graphically (pov), for the live around it and for the nice colour contrast of the earth, the white of the mosque, the sky and the clothes of some of them. That tree that seems to grow from inside the building is also very interesting.
TFS, Regards, José.

turkamerikali (4772) 2007-03-10 1:00

Hi Attila,
Excellent African Mosque photo my friend.
Amazing looking architecture.
I like your great sky,pov,dof,colors,mosque details,focus,sharpness,contrast,people,note,framing and composition.Bravo!
Have a Nice Weekend my friend:)
Tolga

cunejo200 (7159) 2007-03-10 8:02

Hi Attila,
A very lovely architectural piece, and I can't believe it's a mosque which needs to be repaired every year. Well composed with lots of engaging details. Best regards. Danilo

dorte_s_t (2285) 2007-03-10 8:31

Hi , Attila .
Once again an amazing building - a mosque so different from what one expects to see !
Beautiful it is , and in appearance very old and modern at the same time . You might say timeless or even futuristic !
Could be so interesting to see the " jewels" inside . No doubt very interesting !
Still , this is a very fine photo with a special story !
Thanks for sharing this photo and the note !
All the best to you
Dorte.

syd1946 (17913) 2007-03-10 8:41

Hello Attila,
I never seen a mosque like this even in a picture!And the scene in front is very interesting gives life to your image.Very good note as well.
Have a fine weekend,
Thomas

Angshu (33815) 2007-03-11 23:28

Hi Attila
First and foremost a big thanks for sharing such exquisite photographs of the places less visited. Unique architecture, especially with the white paint. Fascinating my friend & once again thanks
Regards
Angshu
I'll be back :)

MIG13 (0) 2007-03-13 20:53

Hi, Attila! It is incredible this mosque's design! So old and so modern! Nice to see people around! A very interesting pic, for sure! Well done! TFS! regards! Miguel.

john_c (24635) 2007-03-14 13:32

Hi Attila,
Indeed a jewel...What a fascinating structure and of such historical and religious significance. It reminds me of a honeycomb. I like the proportions here, where you have succeeded in placing the entire structure within the frame without a crowded look. The people in the foreground enhance, and the reddish soil provides perfect contrast. Well seen and captured, Attila. Its a keeper.
John

Paolo (40713) 2007-03-15 6:47

Ciao Attila...stupenda foto, non solo per i colori e la qualità, ma sopratutto per il soggetto, per quella sorta di bozzolo...roba da Alien!
personalmente una struttura mai vista, nemmeno sui documentari del NG!
inizio sempre di più ad invidiarti...rimbalzi da una parte all'altra del mondo, in posti meravigliosi, socnosciuti...insomma...quello che facevo, in piccolo pure io sino a 3 anni fa!
ora al massimo riesco ad andare in Alto Adige!
bisogna accontentari.
in ogni caso grazie per questa bella ed interessante foto e nota.
buona giornata, ciao

abulafia (4802) 2007-03-21 12:47

Hi Attila
i remember visiting this one, i haven't got any decent shots from it, but that is also not neccessary when you upload a beauty like this one!
Very nice colors, specially the new white paint with the nice sky in the background works good.
I think you were lucky with the restauration, not only because of the newly painted look, but also the swarm of people helping out makes this shot stand out.
Nice work
Harry

dilane (10289) 2007-04-10 16:43

Hi Attila ,
I don't know the Ghana, and I am surprised by this architecture of the mosque
very interessing picture for my information
regards dilane

JCG (25469) 2007-04-11 16:20

Hi Attila,

An interesting photograph which learns to us much on these artisanal constructions in these countries. This mosque completely original and is nicely presented. Qualities of the image are very beautiful. Thank you also for the informative note. Beautiful work, cheer.

With all my friendships,

Jean-Charles

marietom (32026) 2007-04-18 17:34

Marrante, cette couleur toute blanche, pour un édifice que l'on a l'habitude de voir couleur terre.
Belle scène de travail.
Marie

pawelx (473) 2007-06-15 14:06

This mosque is one of most interesting sights in Ghana. There were much fewer people around when I went there.
I am always curious to see photos from less visited destinations, and especially those which I have been to myself, so a big smile for this!

I will try to post my own photo of it some day later (btw don't we hate the 1 upload per day rule here?)

brevbrev14 (372) 2007-07-31 2:31

ciao Attila, per me che sono appassionata di architettura questa foto è ancora più interessante..
bella composizione e colori!
bravo!e ottima nota!
ciao!
Valeria