Tomb of Askia

Gao, Mali

The dramatic pyramidal tomb of Askia Muhammad I, the greatest ruler of the Songhai Empire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the finest surviving monument of the Songhai civilization.

Historical Context

Askia Muhammad I (r. 1493–1528) overthrew the Sonni dynasty and established the Askia dynasty of the Songhai Empire. After performing the Hajj in 1496, he returned to Gao and commissioned this tomb, which also serves as a mosque.