Investigation of influential factors in Mali’s prototype mosques: A case study of the Djenné Great Mosque

The architectural form of Mali's prototype mosques, exemplified by the Great Mosque of Djenné—a global icon of Sudano-Sahelian architecture—is shaped by a dynamic interplay between local environmental conditions, accessible materials (primarily mud-brick), and deep-rooted religious and cultural traditions. This study reveals that the mosque's enduring design, influencing Sahelian mosque construction for centuries, stems from these integrated factors rather than isolated influences. Researchers employed qualitative case-study methods, including comparative stylistic analysis, architectural assessment, and literature-based evaluations, to analyze the Djenné Mosque alongside regional styles like Moroccan, Tokolar, Plain, and Neo-Sudanese. By identifying commonalities and differences, the study underscores how material constraints, climate, and cultural practices collectively define the mosque's prototype status.

Mohamed Osman, M., Abdullahi, B., & Maikudi, M. (2025). Investigation of influential factors in Mali’s prototype mosques: A case study of the Djenné Great Mosque. KIU Journal of Science Engineering and Technology, 4(2), 299–307. https://doi.org/10.59568/kjset-2025-4-2-28