History
History
Founded according to tradition in 1421, the Mosque of Larabanga is considered the oldest in Ghana and one of the oldest in West Africa, earning it the nickname "Mecca of West Africa". It is built in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, in mud and timber framing, shared with the great banco mosques of neighbouring Mali.
Twelve conical buttresses, reinforced with protruding horizontal timber, support its earthen walls and give it its distinctive silhouette. According to local tradition, it houses an ancient Quran regarded as a gift from heaven given in 1650 to Imam Bramah.
Anecdotes & highlights
- Considered the oldest mosque in Ghana and one of the oldest in West Africa, nicknamed "the Mecca of West Africa".
- Built in Sudano-Sahelian style, with twelve conical buttresses reinforced with protruding horizontal timber.
- It is said to house an ancient Quran, regarded by locals as a gift from heaven given in 1650 to Imam Bramah.
