the great mosque of djenné, a photo from Mopti, South

Photographer's Note

Thrilled by Gert's excellent series of Mali pictures, I dug into my own archive to see if there might be any scans left that I hadn't yet posted here. This is one I found.

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DJENNÉ is an ancient capital of the Songhai empire. Its Great Mosque is a large banco or adobe building that is considered by many to be one of the greatest achievements of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.rnrnThough the actual date of construction of the first mosque in Djenné is unknown, dates as early as 1200 and as late as 1330 have been suggested.

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In the summer of 2002 my wife and I travelled in Mali, which was one of our greatest trips ever, especially because of the people. We arrived in Djenné by pirogue from Mopti, more or less departing from the location where Gert's recent post was taken.

The trip took three days. We negociated places to stay in small villages along the way.

Those were the days! It is so sad that religious upheavel has once again made many parts of Mali unsafe. The wonderful people of Mali deserve a much, much better fate.

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THIS PICTURE was scanned from print (quite a while ago). It shows the grand mosque with the weekly market taking place in the foreground.

PaulVDV, PaulVDV, jhm, jean113, pajaran, Royaldevon ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

holmertz (102760) 2020-06-15 7:40

Hello Benny,
I saw you had posted a B&W photo from this view before, but these colours really need to be seen. What a marvellous view, and not less crowded or colourful than mine today. This is no doubt the greatest mosque in Mali, and probably in all of West Africa, and I am really sorry I wasn't in Djenné during the weekly market. I have of course posted photos from here before, and there will be more in due time, but I will have nothing to match this one.
Best regards,
Gert

kasianowak (17676) 2020-06-15 7:46

Hi Benny
As soon as I had seen your post pop up I knew it was no coincident that another photo from Mali appeared soon after Gert's! ;-)
What an amazing image, I love everything about it - the colours are outstanding and the composition with the bustling market in front of this imposing building created a fascinating post.
I don't know the history of Mali that well (I would love to actually go there and make up for it...) but I'm almost sure it's not just religion that causes issues but the other "usual suspects" - human greed and foreign powers, just like in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and lots of other countries I've been to. Why we, people, can't just respect each other?
Best wishes
Kasia

PaulVDV (62970) 2020-06-15 9:37

Hallo Benny,
Bijna als een fata morgana verrijst de reusachtige moskee achter de druk bezochte markt.
Je zocht terecht naar een goed hoger gelegen viewpoint zodat je beide mooi kon combineren op één foto.
De architectuur van de moskee is zeer fascinerend en wondermooi, de markt bijzonder levendig en er ronddolen is vermoedelijk een avontuur op zich.
Dat je beide scènes kon samen tonen, geeft een extra meerwaarde aan deze foto.
Vele groeten, Paul

jhm (211736) 2020-06-15 9:41

Goedenavond Benny,

Dat uw inspiratie door Gert komt, verwonderd mij helemaal niet.
Er zijn gelijkenissen hier voor de moskee en Gert bij de haven.
De samenstelling van de foto is goed.
Kleuren van 18 jaar terug mogen er ook wezen.
Dus algemeen goed foto werk, bedankt.

Groeten uit Oost-Vlaanderen,
John

jean113 (27893) 2020-06-15 10:58

Hello Benny, viewing another members' shots often reminds us of what and where we have been, so this is a good follow up to Gert's recent pictures.
I find the architecture of the Great Mosque really fascinating.
In this picture it dominates the scene.
The market in the foreground is so busy, a great place to wander and see what is on offer.
Interesting note.
Kind regards, Jean.

federico (6109) 2020-06-15 13:53

hello Benny interesting and nice photo from Mali, the mosque in the bg makes a very good focal point and the market in the fg complete a well done composition
regards
Federico

GyurMaster (24838) 2020-06-15 14:43

Hello Benny,

Sometimes it worth digging up your archives, one may find goldies just like this one. I like the contrast between the mosque and the vivid market.

Best Wishes,
Gy.

jemaflor (147204) 2020-06-15 23:16

Salut Benny,
Superbe ce célèbre monument, impressionnante architecture. Belle composition depuis ce POV avec la vue de ce marché en avant-plan, belle lumière pour faire ressortir les teintes, splendide.

ifege (48135) 2020-06-16 0:16

Hi Benny
Good commentary and the photo is almost like a collage with the distinctly different zones for mosque and market. Excellent scan of this great photo.
cheers
Ian

emka (158204) 2020-06-16 1:22

Hello Benny, Wow, so you were in Djenne. And what a picture with the market so busy with people. I would love to make such a trip, but it is impossible. Stunning view. I am so envious that you and Gert visited it.
Best regards MAlgo

Royaldevon (85932) 2020-06-16 4:16

Hello Benny,

This is a fine photograph of the mosque, rising with undeniable importance, in the b/g but your photograph shows much more than the mosque,, it shows vibrant market, brimming with people and stalls, and not a vehicle in sight!
It is a good scan!

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

SteveH (8220) 2020-06-17 1:42

Hi Benny, You know how to make a guy jealous. This is a great shot of a place I've long wanted to visit. Love the details in the market scene, all overlooked by that spectacular architecture. cheers, Steve

CLODO (45116) 2020-06-17 3:37

Hi Benny

I thought it was another Gert old picture! I like the yellowish overall color and the buzz on the market at the bottom of mud mosque.
Cheers
CLODO

jimmyjimmy (6164) 2020-06-18 3:41

Hello Benny

The market has captivated me here in this image. No matter the the strife in this country. Survival comes first. Nice capture.

jimmy

jmdias (115230) 2020-08-29 12:08

benny

marvelous the architecture of the mosque, here we can see the human chaos of the market and the contrast of it with the order of the mosque. very special view, nice note.

take care
jorge