#Headlines

Tivaouane to inaugurate Masjid El Hadji Malick Sy today

Sep 13, 2024, 10:37 AM | Article By: Jankey Touray

The Masjid El Hadji Malick Sy of Tivaouane, also known as the Great Mosque of Tivaouane, worth approximately 100M CFA francs, is set to be inaugurated today after years of extension.

In 2019, the new Khalifa called for contributions, resulting in the collection of over 40 million CFA francs as of April 28, 2023, for the mosque's construction different from the subsidiaries of the Khalifa.

Throughout history, this Islamic complex has undergone several extensions. It spans 1600 square meters and comprises a large mosque, a women's mosque, a library, and a large square for Friday prayers. The mosque has a spiral plan, crowned with three minarets and a central dome, along with small domes decorating the annexes.

The construction of Tivaouane's new, large mosque has been ongoing for over thirty years, characterised by its curved lines and a minaret visible from a distance. The building has a coat of cement and paint to finish and enhance its appearance. The circular, spacious hall has a domed roof that is hollow inside, and the top of the mosque is adorned with bands of bright colours, creating a colourful and vibrant interior.

The mosque enclosure has two levels connected by four staircases arranged in a circular shape. The upper part opens onto a continuous circular balcony on the first floor. The dividing wall is a strip of cement painted in black and gold and huge concrete posts, covered with white tiles, extend upwards. The floor is adorned with pink and white tiles, fans are hung from the ceiling to bring freshness, and floor lamps adorn the walls of the first level.

The mosque of Tivaouane was built in 1904 by Elhadji Malick Sy. Renovations were carried out in the 1940s and 1950s, and in 1979, the Tidiane community began extending the building. After a pause, fundraising campaigns were initiated to continue the work.