Final answer:
The Great Mosque of Djenné reflects Mali's Islamic heritage, dating back to the 13th century. It has been reconstructed several times, with significant contributions from architects Ismaila Barey Traoré and Ismaila Traoré in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been restored by projects like the Aga Khan foundation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Mosque of Djenné
One of the most significant edifices reflecting Mali's Islamic heritage is the Great Mosque of Djenné. The earliest construction of the mosque dates back to the 13th century, founded by Koi Konboro. The Great Mosque stands as a testament to Djenné's historical significance in trade and religious scholarship within sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, architects Ismaila Barey Traoré and Ismaila Traoré have played crucial roles in the mosque's history, being responsible for the architecture of the 1836 and 1907 mosques respectively. The tradition of 'crepissage', an annual plastering of the mosque with mud, has been an important communal and religious practice. In 1988, the UNESCO recognition of the site underlined its global cultural importance, later prompting restoration projects including the 2006 Aga Khan foundation's work.
The Great Mosque has undergone several reconstructions, with the 1830 destruction led by Seku Amadu for purification, and subsequent reconstructions in 1836 and 1906 on different and original sites respectively. This edifice not only signifies architectural advancement but also represents the cultural and religious landscape of Mali. Despite challenges, including interruptions in the 'crepissage', and restrictions on modernizing nearby mud-brick houses due to UNESCO's heritage site designation, the Great Mosque remains an iconic symbol of Djenné's illustrious past and present.