The minarets
Tall above the square.
John Crane from Prague, Czech Republic — CC BY 2.0 · John Crane from Prague, Czech Republic — CC BY 2.0 · John Crane from Prague, Czech Republic — CC BY 2.0 · zivax — CC BY-SA 3.0 · tinofrey — Public domain
The Great Mosque of Touba is the largest building in the city of Touba and the centre of the Mouride Sufi order founded by Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba. It holds about 7,000 worshippers and was among the largest mosques in Africa before the Massalikoul Djinane Mosque rose in Dakar in 2019. Large crowds come each year for the Grand Magal pilgrimage. Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba founded it in 1887, conceiving the great mosque in his final years, around 1924 to 1927, and choosing the spot for his tomb. He died in 1927 and was buried here, the building was completed in 1963, and his family has run it since his death. The city remains a place of pilgrimage for the order's followers. From outside you see tall minarets, decorated towers and sand-coloured walls around a broad paved square. Inside are rows of columns, Moroccan-style arches, pierced window screens, carved wooden doors and colourful carpets filling the halls. The tomb lies in a separate wing with green doors, where visitors sit quietly and pray. It is about 170 km from Dakar in a straight line. The city keeps strict religious rules, banning smoking and alcohol, so carry neither. Dress modestly, and women should cover their heads. Non-Muslims are usually asked to enter with a guide, and visits may be limited at certain times. Avoid the Magal season unless you mean to come for it.
Tall above the square.
Arches and pierced screens.
Decorated wood at the entry.
Touba, Diourbel Region, Senegal
Usually yes with a guide, though limits may apply at certain times, so follow what you are asked.
A yearly pilgrimage of Mouride followers that fills the city with crowds, so plan ahead if you come.