WORLD HERITAGE SITES
The Kong Mosque or Grand Mosque of Kong, called Missiriba, was built in neo-Sudanese style, using mud and logs; it is the oldest symbol of the Islamization of the populations of the Northern Ivory Coastand has maintained its function as a place of prayer and assembly to nowadays. www.exploring-africa.com/en/viaggi-e-spedizioni/ivory-coast-heart-west-africa/city-kong-and-its-mosques
UNESCO Adds 33 New Sites to Its 2021 World Heritage List
T
he recent announcement of 33 newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage sites is larger than usual because it covers two years, 2020 and 2021. (The committee that selects the sites did not meet in 2020 because of the pandemic.) They join a list of more than 1,000 natural and cultural sites around the globe. Culture, especially modern—rather than nature— rules in these choices. Recognition by UNESCO means the landmark is of “outstanding universal value.” It also means the site can obtain funds and advice from UNESCO to help maintain it. Both types of aid may be necessary because the new status frequently means an increase in tourist visits, sometimes too many, especially when a site has the dubious distinction of being “Instagrammable.” While the pandemic continues to make some of these sites off limits, you may want to include them in your future travel plans. 68 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | Sept 2021
