Touba

Touba in Senegal

Touba is a city in central Senegal, and is the holy city of the Mouride Sufi Muslim brotherhood. It is the second largest city in Senegal after Dakar, with a population of over 1 million people. Tuba is home to the Grand Mosque of Touba, which is one of the largest mosques in Africa. The city is also a major centre for peanut production and trade.

Highlights of Touba

• The Grand Mosque of Touba: The Grand Mosque of Touba is the largest mosque in Senegal and one of the largest in Africa. It is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Muslims each year. The mosque was built in the early 1900s by the Mouride Sufi brotherhood, and is a symbol of their faith and their economic prosperity.
• The Grand Magal of Touba: The Grand Magal of Touba is an annual pilgrimage to Touba that commemorates the life and teachings of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the founder of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood. The pilgrimage is one of the largest religious events in Africa, and attracts millions of people from all over the world.
• The Okass Market: The Okass Market is the largest market in Touba and is one of the largest markets in Senegal. It is a bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts to electronics. The market is also a great place to experience Senegalese culture and cuisine.

A Deeper Look at the Highlights

The Grand Mosque of Touba

The Grand Mosque of Touba is a truly awe-inspiring structure. It is over 1 kilometre long and can accommodate over 4 million worshippers. The mosque is made of white marble and has minarets that are over 70 meters tall. The interior of the mosque is just as impressive, with its intricate mosaics and colourful stained glass windows.

The Grand Mosque of Touba is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the Mouride brotherhood's economic prosperity. The mosque was built entirely with donations from Mouride Muslims, and is a testament to their faith and their commitment to their community.

The Grand Magal of Touba

The Grand Magal of Touba is a truly unique and special event. It is a time for Mouride Muslims from all over the world to come together to celebrate the life and teachings of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. The pilgrimage is also a time for Mouride Muslims to reaffirm their faith and to strengthen their ties to their community.

The Grand Magal of Touba is a week-long event that begins with a procession of Mouride Muslims through the streets of Touba. The procession is led by the Khalif General of the Mourides, who is the spiritual leader of the brotherhood. The procession is followed by a series of religious ceremonies and celebrations.

The Grand Magal of Touba is a truly unforgettable experience. It is a time to witness the beauty of the Islamic faith and the strength of the Mouride community.

The Okass Market

The Okass Market is a vibrant and bustling place. It is a great place to experience Senegalese culture and cuisine. The market is full of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts to electronics. You can also find a variety of restaurants and cafes at the market, where you can try some of Senegal's delicious food.

The Okass Market is also a great place to people-watch. You can see people from all walks of life at the market, from farmers and merchants to tourists and pilgrims. The market is a truly melting pot of Senegalese culture.

Touba is a city with a lot to offer visitors. It is a holy city for Muslims, a major centre for peanut production and trade, and a vibrant and bustling market town. If you are ever in Senegal, be sure to visit Touba and experience its unique culture and atmosphere.