× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. Nominations of Cultural Properties to the World Heritage List (Tomb of Askia) Document type Decision Reference number 14B.20 Date Jun 28, 2004 SourceUNEP, 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.