Revitalizing Tradition in Dandaji, Niger: A Mosque and Library for Community Life

Abstract

In Dandaji, Niger, the mosque and library designed by Mariam Issoufou and Yasaman Esmaili address the dual challenge of preserving vernacular heritage and providing new community amenities. The original adobe mosque, insufficient for current needs, was conserved and adapted into a library, while a new mosque accommodating 1,000 worshippers was constructed alongside it. This undertaking demonstrates how traditional knowledge and locally available resources can be combined with contemporary methods to ensure continuity of building culture. The process encouraged community involvement and enabled the transmission of building expertise across generations. Today, the mosque and library operate as a civic ensemble integrating religious, educational, and social functions, reinforcing the village’s cultural identity and social fabric.