Es Saheli Prize: Sahelian Architecture Becomes an Act of National Pride

The 2^nd Edition of the Es Saheli Prize is Launched: A Tribute to Sudano-Sahelian Architecture

Mali, a land of history and culture, once again celebrates its rich architectural heritage with the launch of the 2^nd edition of the Es Saheli Prize. This national competition honors unlisted earthen mosques in the Sudano-Sahelian style, true living gems of our collective memory.

Organized with the support of cultural and institutional partners, the Es Saheli Prize aims to promote, document, and preserve these often-forgotten buildings that are emblematic of our Sahelian identity.

Two categories to showcase the beauty of heritage

1. Architecture Category

Intended for imams and village chiefs, this category invites them to present the earthen mosques in their communities.

To participate: send a photo of the mosque and the name of the village via WhatsApp to 97267780.

Prizes:

• 1^st prize: 400,000 F CFA
• 2^nd prize: 250,000 F CFA

With official certificates and commemorative plaques to honor the winners and their villages.

2. Photography Category

Open to Malian photographers, this category invites them to capture the magic and soul of these earthen mosques.

To participate: send a photo of an earthen mosque to prixessaheli@gmail.com.

Prizes:

• 1^st prize: 150,000 F CFA + a round-trip ticket to Timbuktu + 2 hotel nights
• 2^nd prize: 100,000 F CFA + a photography training course

Both winners will also receive photography training.

Application deadline: June 30, 2025

The Es Saheli Prize is fully part of the 2025 Cultural Year, as a concrete act of celebration, transmission, and recognition. It reminds us that heritage is not frozen in the past, but rooted in the present and carries the future.

Thanks to our partners

This project would not be possible without the support of many committed stakeholders :

Sponsors

• Amigos de Malí
• Embassy of Spain in Mali
• Festival Vivre Ensemble

 

Partners

• Ministry of Handicrafts, Culture, Hotel Industry and Tourism
• SankoréLabs
• Gouna Tière Women Association of Timbuktu
• Proyecto África
• Mieruba Art Center, Ségou
• Timbuktu Cultural Mission
• Mamadou Cissé
• And all those who support the Es Saheli Prize

Es Saheli Prize: our heritage, our pride!