Tomb of Askia

The Tomb of Askia is located in Gao in Mali. Since 2004 it is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is probably the grave of Mohammed I. Touré, the first king of the Songhai eich and was built in the late 15th century.

It is considered the best example of a traditional Monumentalbaues in Lehmziegelbauweise in the West African Sahel.

The complex consists of the actual grave pyramid, two mosques, a cemetery and a meeting place. At 17 meters high it is the largest pre-colonial structure in the region. It is the first example of Islamic architecture styles that characterized the region later.

Because of looting and vandalism as a result of armed conflicts in the region, UNESCO lists this building in the Red List of World Heritage in Danger.

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