Discover Diourbel

Diourbel brings together several clearly identified local landmarks: the Great Mosque, the residence of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba opposite it, and the Gouye Woté baobab in the Ndiodione district. The history of the mosque provides a chronological reference point; other places in the Diourbel region add their own religious and archaeological themes.

The Great Mosque and its history

On March 11, 1918, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba laid the foundation stone of the Great Mosque of Diourbel. In 1924, he inaugurated the mosque. These dates mark different stages: the inauguration followed the laying of the foundation stone several years later. The Great Mosque stands opposite the residence of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. The building and the residence are thus two connected places for anyone interested in the history of Diourbel.

The residence and Baytûl Kitab

The residence contains the room Baytûl Kitab, also known as “La Chambre du Savoir.” A report from August 2023 describes personal belongings of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba kept there. These include chests containing Quranic manuscripts and Khas-saides, remains from the mosque where he prayed, water vessels and candlesticks. The room’s name and the manuscripts mentioned refer to knowledge and writing; the other objects add personal mementos to this connection. The description therefore includes both religious texts and various objects from the life of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.

Another landmark in Diourbel

The Gouye Woté baobab is located in the Ndiodione district. It adds a named tree site within Diourbel to the religious and historical landmarks around the mosque and residence. For those who want to focus on the town itself when getting their bearings, there are three distinct points of reference: a religious building, the residence opposite it, and the baobab in the Ndiodione district.

Other places in the Diourbel region

The regional context also includes sites in Touba, Darou Salam and Cekeen. These places are distinct from the landmarks in the town of Diourbel and each has its own themes. Touba is home to the Great Mosque, with five tall minarets: one main minaret, two on the west side and two on the east side. Daaray Kamil is also in Touba. The building houses a library dedicated to the Holy Book of Islam and the mausoleum of Serigne Abdou Lahat Mbacké.

Aïnou Rahmati, the Well of Mercy, is also in Touba. It is located in the northern part of the city, behind the house of Serigne Saliou Mbacké, and is listed in Senegal’s national inventory of sites and monuments. This location adds a specific point within Touba to the religious sites; its inventory listing is separate information about the well.

The Magal and historical connections

The Magal de Touba takes place every year in the holy city of Touba in the Diourbel region. It commemorates Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba’s departure into exile. In 2025, the Magal de Touba was added to Senegal’s national list of intangible cultural heritage and attributed to the Diourbel region. If you would like to take the event into account when planning your trip, check the date before you travel.

Darou Salam is also part of the region’s historical context. It is considered the first town founded by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba in the 1880s and is home to the mausoleum of Mame Cheikh Anta Mbacké (1865–1941), also known as “Borom Gawane.” He was a loyal companion of the founder of Mouridism. The Magal of Darou Salam commemorates the meeting between Cheikh Anta Mbacké and his brother, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacké, on the latter’s return from exile in Gabon.

The Wago Fal tumulus is located in Cekeen and is an archaeological landmark in the Diourbel region. It is about twelve metres high.

For the broader travel overview: Diourbel.