📖 About Touba

Touba is Senegal's second-largest city and the holy city of the Mouride brotherhood, a major Sufi Islamic order. With approximately 1.5 million residents, this rapidly growing city hosts the Grand Mosque of Touba, one of Africa's largest mosques. The annual Grand Magal pilgrimage attracts millions of devotees.

Founded by Sheikh Amadou Bamba in 1887, Touba operates under unique religious governance. Alcohol and tobacco are prohibited. The city has grown explosively as Mouride devotees settle near their spiritual center. Touba represents Islamic Senegal—Sufi devotion, religious autonomy, and the powerful Mouride brotherhood.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Commerce thrives around pilgrimage and religious life. Mouride businesses span Senegal and globally. Groundnut farming historically supported the brotherhood. Construction booms with urban growth. The economy is intertwined with religious organization.

Mouride Sufi culture shapes everything—Wolof is spoken. Devotion to the Sheikh and his successors is central. Music includes Mouride religious chanting. The prohibition on alcohol creates unique social character. Food features Senegalese cuisine without alcohol. The culture values work, devotion, and community under Mouride leadership.

📜 History

Sheikh Amadou Bamba founded Touba in 1887 after receiving divine inspiration. French colonial authorities exiled him repeatedly, fearing his influence. His peaceful resistance enhanced his spiritual reputation.

Post-independence Senegal respected Mouride autonomy. The city has grown from village to major urban center. Today Touba is Senegal's spiritual capital—Mouride brotherhood headquarters, pilgrimage destination, and one of Africa's fastest-growing cities.