Larabanga Mosque: Historic facts and photos of Ghana's oldest mosque pop up
- Historic photos of Ghana's Larabanga Mosque have surfaced online
- The Larabanga Mosque is the country's oldest mosque
- It was founded in 1421 by an Islamic trader
Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
Listed as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world, Ghana’s Larabanga Mosque was built in the Sudanese architectural style in the village of Larabanga in the West Gonja district, Savannah region.
Founded in 1421, the Larabanga Mosque is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest in West Africa also referred to as the "Mecca of West Africa".
The mosque has undergone restoration several times with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) contributing substantially to its restoration.
The World Monuments Fund (WMF) lists the Larabanga Mosque as one of the 100 Most Endangered Sites.
The mosque has an old Quran, believed by the locals to have been given as a gift from heaven in 1650 to Yidan Barimah Bramah, the Imam at the time, as a result of his prayers.
Built with mud and reeds, the mosque has two tall towers in pyramidal shape, one for the mihrab which faces towards Mecca forming the facade on the east and the other as a minaret in the northeast corner.
These are buttressed by twelve bulbous shaped structures, which are fitted with timber elements.
READ ALSO: From watchman to degree holder; the story of Richard Agbedor breaks the internet (photos)
Wikipedia affirms that according to a legend, in 1421, an Islamic trader named Ayuba had a dream while staying here, near a "Mystic Stone", instructing him to build a mosque.
Strangely, when he awoke, he found that the foundations were already in place and he proceeded to construct the mosque until it was completed.
Breath-taking photos of Ghana’s oldest mosque have surfaced online and YEN.com.gh features its elegance.
1: Photos shared by Ghana Facts and History
2: Others have also shared photos of the monument.
3: A bird's eye view of the Larabanga Mosque
Meanwhile, having recently earned two university degree at the age of 82 years, Bessie Person’s story, firmly confirms that it is never too late to learn or pursue a higher academic feat.
While she didn’t know that she would go far, Person reveals she had always wanted to.
The Portsmouth resident attended I.C. Norcom High School and also began data entry school in Syracuse, N.Y. which was funded by her employer, the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, to Post University, called Teikyo Post University at the time in Connecticut.
READ ALSO: From watchman to degree holder; the story of Richard Agbedor breaks the internet (photos)
Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!
Ghana News Today: Exclusive Interview with an energetic Ghanaian centenarian| #Yencomgh
READ ALSO: Kayayo turned Radio and TV personality graduates with degree from top university (photo, video)
Have national and human interest issues to discuss?
Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?
Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.
Hurray! YEN.com.gh has won the ‘Online News Portal of the Year” award at NCA awards 2019. Click here to view the beautiful photos.
Source: YEN.com.gh
