(version
française)
 |
|
The
restoration works carried out between November
2004 and June 2006 were conducted in strict
observance of traditional construction techniques.
Further initiatives of this kind are planned,
notably in Djenné and Timbuktu. Click
on photo for a larger image.
|
Mopti,
Mali, 19 June 2006 – The Aga Khan
Development Network (AKDN) handed over the keys
of the Great Mosque of Mopti in a ceremony attended
by His Excellency Cheick Oumar Sissoko, Mali’s
Minister of Culture, regional and local representatives
of Mopti, members of the Mosque Committee and all
the specialist professionals involved in the restoration
of the building.
Following
a guided tour of the mosque, during which the authorities
reviewed the completed restoration work in the company
of Francesco Siravo, head of the project at the
Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) – the AKDN
agency which undertook the restoration work –
and Férid Nandjee, the AKDN’s Resident
Representative in Mali, the keys to the Mosque were
handed over to His Excellency Cheick Oumar Sissoko,
in a ceremony symbolising the completion of the
work. The Minister then presented the keys to Kissima
Touré, head of the village of Mopti, in a
ceremony witnessed by leading figures of the city.
In
their respective speeches, His Excellency Cheick
Oumar Sissoko, Férid Nandjee and Francesco
Siravo all praised the outstanding success of the
restoration project, which started in November 2004.
The speakers noted that the success reflected the
extremely close cooperation between all the parties
involved – the AKTC, the Ministry of Culture,
the regional and local authorities, the Mosque Committee
– and the dedicated commitment of the AKTC
experts and the various groups of professionals
involved in the restoration – masons, ironworkers,
carpenters, electricians, and public address system
technicians. All three speakers emphasised the long-term
conservation of this architectural jewel, urging
the Mosque authorities to undertake appropriate
maintenance systematically.
 |
|
The entrance to Mopti's mosque.
Click on photo for larger image. |
It
was following a visit to Mali by His Highness the
Aga Khan in October 2003 that an AKTC technical
team identified the extent and urgency of the structural
problems of Mopti’s Great Mosque, also known
as Komoguel Mosque. The restoration works carried
out between November 2004 and June 2006 were conducted
in strict observance of traditional construction
techniques.
The
Great Mosque of Mopti, which was officially listed
as part of the country’s cultural heritage
in 2005, is an imposing earthen structure built
in the traditional Sudanese style between 1936 and
1943 on the site of an earlier mosque dating from
1908. The restoration work comprised a number of
different phases: the complete reconstruction of
the roof; stabilisation of the upper part of the
building which had been damaged by the inappropriate
use of cement in a previous restoration effort in
1978; repairing the earthen brickwork, removing
damaged sections and rebuilding them with traditional
earthen bricks; applying a traditional coating made
by mixing earth with rice husks – called banco
pourri – to the external walls; replacing
the earth bricks along the building facades; rebuilding
the parapet and the pinnacles of the terrace; removing
and partly renovating the outer earthen coatings,
which were in a state of disrepair; renovating the
outer courtyard. Plumbing was installed in the courtyard
along with a fountain for worshippers’ use.
The interior of the Mosque has also been substantially
improved: the floor has been completely rehabilitated;
renovation work on the staircase has made it easy
to access the terrace; a new PA and electrical system
has been installed, including new lights; and there
is a new ventilation system. The Mosque has also
been given new doors made of high-quality seasoned
wood.
This
restoration work was undertaken in conjunction with
the National Cultural Heritage Department of Mali’s
Ministry of Culture, regional authorities, the city
of Mopti and the Mosque’s committee. The local
authorities also helped with the selection of experienced
bricklayers, as well as young apprentices who were
trained in construction and restoration techniques
during the project. Training is an important component
of AKTC’s mission and international work.
|
|
|
Certificates
were awarded to two master builders, 17 bricklayers,
18 skilled labourers, five carpenters, 11
craft workers and other professionals. Training
is an important component of AKTC’s
mission.
Click on photo for larger image. |
During
the ceremony, certificates were awarded to two master
builders, 17 bricklayers, 18 skilled labourers,
five carpenters, 11 craft workers and other professionals,
in acknowledgement of their contribution to the
restoration project and the quality of their work.
This part of the ceremony was supervised by Gisèle
Taxil, the architect in charge of the work on site.
This
restoration work is, among other projects, a part
of a Memorandum of Cooperation signed by Mali’s
Ministry of Culture and the AKTC, on 22 February
2006, relating to the conservation of Mali’s
earthen architecture. Further initiatives of this
kind are planned, notably in Djenné and Timbuktu.
It should also be noted that in August 2005 the
Republic of Mali and the AKDN signed an Agreement
of Cooperation relating to the country’s social
(health, education, rural development and civil
society), cultural and economic development. In
this framework, , and with the aim of helping to
conserve Mali’s cultural heritage, the AKDN
also plans to undertake work in the area of Komoguel
1, adjacent to the Mosque. These efforts will improve
sanitary and environmental conditions for the people
who live there, pave streets and, at a later stage,
provide microfinance and professional training.
The
Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) implements initiatives
aimed at revitalising the heritage of the Islamic
world, contributing to social and economic development.
The AKTC draws on extensive expertise gained in
the restoration of traditional buildings in countries
as diverse as Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt,
India, Pakistan, Syria and Zanzibar.
The
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) was founded
by His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam
(spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims. It is
a group of private, non-denominational development
agencies working to empower communities and individuals
to improve living conditions and opportunities,
especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South
Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine
development agencies focus on social, cultural and
economic development for all citizens, regardless
of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s
underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable
in society.
Please
also see the collaboration
agreement signed with the National Museum of
Mali.
If
you would like further information please contact:
Aga
Khan Development Network (Mali)
Immeuble UATT, sis quartier du fleuve
B.P.E 2998, Bamako
Mali
Tel: +223.222.08.63/222.06.95
Fax: +223.222.34.66
E-mail: infos@akdn-mali.org
Aga
Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
1-3, Avenue de la Paix
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41.22.909.7200
Fax: +41.22.909.7292
E-mail: sam.pickens@akdn.org
Notes:
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) was founded
by His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam
(spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims. It is
a group of private, non-denominational development
agencies working to empower communities and individuals
to improve living conditions and opportunities,
especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South
Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine
agencies focus on social, cultural and economic
development for all citizens, regardless of gender,
ethnicity or religion. The AKDN’s underlying
ethic is compassion for the most vulnerable members
of society.
