The Largest Mud Brick Building in the World

The Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali a World Heritage Site is the World's Largest Mud-brick Building. It was built around 1908, though a mosque existed at this site from early 13th century. Like the earlier mosque this mosque is also made entirely of mud-brick, mud mortar and mud based plaster. The covered hall is about 50 x 24 metres.

Although not very well known, but after the Sphinx and Pyramids, it is one of the most famous land marks in Africa. Its popularity can be gauged by the fact that two buildings across the world are its replica. More image over here.

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The Great Mosque of Djenné - The Largest Mud Brick Building in the World

The Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud brick building in the world. The mosque is located in the city of Djenné in Mali on the flood plain of the Bani River. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Africa. Along with the 'Old Towns of Djenné' it was dubbed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

The date of construction of the first mosque in Djenné is unknown but dates as early as 1200 and as late as 1330 have been suggested.

The walls of the Great Mosque are made of sun-baked mud bricks called 'ferey', a mud based mortar, and are coated with a mud plaster which gives the building its smooth, sculpted look. The walls are between 16 in and 24 in (0.4 to 0.6 m) thick. The thickness varies depending on the wall's height: taller sections were built thicker because the base has to be wide enough to support the weight. Bundles of deleb palm wood were included in the building to reduce cracking caused by frequent drastic changes in humidity and temperature and to serve as readymade scaffolding for annual repairs.


The walls insulate the building from heat during the day and by nightfall have absorbed enough heat to keep the mosque warm through the night. Gutters, made of ceramic pipes, extend from the roofline and direct water drainage from the roof away from the walls. Half of the mosque is covered by a roof and the other half is an open air prayer hall or courtyard. The roof of the mosque is supported by ninety wooden pillars that span the interior prayer hall. Vents in the roof are topped with removable ceramic caps, which when removed allow hot air to rise out of the building and so ventilate the interior.

The Great Mosque was constructed on a raised platform with a surface area of 5625 m² (62,500 ft²), which has so far protected the mosque from even the most severe floods. (Wikipedia).




















































































Source: clarepawley

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Necker Island Rental for $53k Per Night

Necker Island is owned by famous billionaire Sir Richard Branson. You may rent the island for $53,000 per night. It has white sand beaches and crystal blue tides. And you may bring up to 28 friends with you.

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Posted in Community and Lifestyle , Travel