The Old Towns of Djenné, also known as مدن جنة القديمة in Arabic and villes anciennes de Djenné in French, are a group of ancient buildings and structures located in the city of Djenné, Mali. This area includes four important archaeological sites: Djenné-Djeno, Hambarkétolo, Kaniana, and Tonomba. In 1988, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added this site to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
History
Djenné has been home to people since 250 B.C. It became a market center and an important part of the trans-Saharan gold trade. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was a key place for spreading Islam. Its traditional houses, of which nearly 2,000 still stand today, are built on raised areas called toguere to protect them from seasonal floods.
WHS status
In 1979, the Republic of Mali sent a request to UNESCO to give Djenné World Heritage status. However, the advisory committee (ICOMOS) noted that "uncontrolled city growth has changed the environment around the most important buildings" and suggested that a decision should be delayed until the Malian government provided details about the town's development and how historic sites would be protected.
After further review, ICOMOS recommended that the nomination should include not only Djenné but also nearby archaeological sites: Djenné-Djéno, Hambarketolo, Tonomba, and Kaniana. The committee explained that "defining a large protection area can help Malian leaders manage city growth and preserve archaeological areas and the natural inland delta." Mali submitted an expanded nomination, which UNESCO approved in 1988 as "Old Towns of Djenné." For the archaeological sites, UNESCO cited Criterion (iii): "show a unique or very special example of a culture or civilization that is still alive or has disappeared." For the town, it cited Criterion (iv): "be an outstanding example of a type of building, architecture, or landscape that shows an important stage in human history."
Starting in 2005, UNESCO reports began pointing out concerns about the lack of progress in addressing challenges related to the town's conservation status. In its 2005 report, the committee praised efforts to restore adobe buildings and improve sanitation but noted the absence of a development plan. It asked UNESCO, ICOMOS, and ICCROM to work with Mali to study ways to reduce pressure from city growth.
The 2006 report was more critical. It stated that "residents and local leaders feel they live in a protected area where, in their view, nothing is allowed." The report listed issues caused by intense city growth, including failure to follow building rules, homes not suited to family needs, a desire to use modern materials for housing, and a lack of resources and skills to solve urban and sanitation problems. The committee recommended creating a management plan and producing a map to clearly mark the boundaries of archaeological sites.