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Nominations of Cultural Properties to the World Heritage List (Tomb of Askia)

Document type
Decision
Reference number
14B.20
Date
Jun 28, 2004
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Status
Active
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Treaty
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972)
Meeting
28e session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

The World Heritage Committee,


1. Inscribes the Tomb of Askia, Mali, on the World Heritage List on the basis of cultural criteria (ii), (iii), and (iv):


Criterion (ii): The Tomb of Askia reflects the way local building traditions in response to Islamic needs absorbed influences from North Africa to create a unique architectural style across the West African Sahel.


Criterion (iii): The Tomb of Askia is an important vestige of the Empire of Songhai, which once dominated the Sahel lands of West Africa and controlled the lucrative trans- Saharan trade.


Criterion (iv): The Tomb of Askia reflects the distinctive architectural tradition of the West African Sahel and in particular exemplifies the way buildings evolve over centuries through regular, traditional, maintenance practices.