FOUGOUMBA VILLAGE

Fougoumba, 8 km from Ditinn, is a small village very similar to many others in the region, crushed by the heat in the dry season. But it is distinguished from the others by its history. It is home to one of the oldest mosques in Fouta. Today of modern construction, it was originally built on the model of Fulani huts with local materials (straw, wood and earth). Since the 18th century, Fougoumba was the religious capital of the theocratic Fouta (Muslim state), the place where the almamys (religious leaders) were crowned. One can still see the magnificent hut (regularly maintained) where the official ceremonies took place, near the mosque. It is a typical local hut, with a porch leading to the adjacent courtyard. The future almamy was girded in this hut with nine white turbans, which corresponded to the nine diwés (or provinces) of his future territory. Then, he had to stay nine days in meditation in the hut. Each day, one turban was removed until only one remained, which he kept as a sign of his royalty. The almamy then moved with his court to Timbo, the administrative and political capital of theocratic Fouta, about 50 km away. On the spot, you will meet the elders who will tell you about the history of this place. To learn more about Fougoumba, you can also read the article "Fougoumba, religious capital of the theocratic Fouta" on www.foutadecouverte.com.