The Survival of Earthen Architecture in Malian Sahel, Case Study: The Historic City of Djenné
- 1 School of Urban Construction, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- 2 School of Urban Construction, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
Abstract
Heritage conservation is one of the concerns in public urban governance policies. The Malian Sahel is one of the oldest centers of urban civilization. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Djenné is one of Mali’s great tourist destinations. The conservation of the architectural heritage has made tourism the engine for the economy of the city of Djenné. This research aims to assess the impact of the architectural and urban heritage of Djenné on the lives of residents. After zooming in on the advancement of Djenné, this work analyses the deep and complex relationships between urban heritage and the life of the residents. It highlights the advantages and consequences of earthen constructions. It reveals the mysterious character of Djenné. Taking religious beliefs and cultural values into account is essential in any urban project in this mysterious city. The novelty of this work lies in its framework marked by an unprecedented security pressure in the region. Thanks to data collected from the administration, surveys, and interviews with stakeholders, this work carried out elements that indicate the slump currently experienced by the occupants of Djenné. That situation dangerously threatens the conservation of heritage for the future. Finally, all of this should inspire decision-makers and planners to provide mechanisms for building a more dynamic socio-economic life, capable of reorienting and re-adjusting quickly .
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