Tomb of Askia

Situated in one of the most flourishing cities of the caravan route, the Tomb of Askia is one of the most renowned monuments representing the Islamic architecture. Built by Askia Mohamed, the Emperor of Songhai in 1495, the 17 meters high pyramidal structure stands aloof the rest of the mud-brick buildings in the town. The tomb is also the largest pre-colonial monument in the entire region. Besides the huge pyramidal tomb, you will also find the mosque cemetery and an open-air assembly ground, that was constructed Askia Mohamed had returned from Mecca and declared Islam as the official religion of his empire.

The tomb is the designated as a world Heritage site by the UNESCO, because of its architecture that reflects the distinct style and also exemplifies the way buildings evolve over the centuries. Recently, some modifications were done to the site, that include; expansion of the mosques' building and construction of a wall around the site. The tomb of Askia is a must visit for those who want to delve on the history of Mali!