Bouna mosque restored after two weeks of work
Artisans from several countries worked to save the mud-brick structure from time and climate change.
A mosque in Bouna, Ivory Coast, has been restored after a two-week project that concluded in late October. The mud-brick structure, located near the borders of Ghana and Burkina Faso, was weakened by age and climate change. Workers from various countries participated in the restoration effort and trained local artisans.
This project is part of a wider initiative to preserve Sudanese-style mosques across West Africa, many of which are not UNESCO World Heritage sites and face degradation. The Bouna mosque's restoration aimed to save the fragile building and ensure its longevity.
Similar Sudanese-style mosques exist in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, with some recognized for their global heritage value. The Bouna restoration highlights the ongoing challenges faced by less protected historical structures in the region.
Why it mattersThe restoration of the Bouna mosque preserves a piece of cultural heritage for Ivorians and visitors.