History and identity of the Médina
Created by colonial decree in July 1914, the Médina was conceived as a “segregation village”: under the pretext of a plague epidemic, authorities decided to move the “indigenous” populations away from the European Plateau. Each expelled family received a plot of land, and the neighborhood quickly took the name Médina on the suggestion of El Hadji Malick Sy, referencing the holy city in Arabia to ease the community’s pain. The Médina soon became defiant, mixing Lebou traditions, cultural resistance, and popular energy. It is the birthplace of mbalax and contemporary Senegalese music. Youssou N’Dour, considered the “king of Mbalax,” is a son of the Médina.
Religious life and spiritual heritage
The Médina is strongly influenced by Islamic brotherhoods: Mouridism, Tijaniyya, and Layene shape its religious life. Numerous mosques can be found here, the most famous being the Grand Mosque of the Médina (Rue 19), the spiritual heart inaugurated in 1964. Throughout the year, the neighborhood hosts religious ceremonies, brotherhood meetings, talibé processions, Sufi chants, and traditional festivals that mark social life.
Culture and artistic life
A true artistic hub, the Médina remains the primary home of mbalax, the musical style that became a national symbol thanks to Youssou N’Dour. The neighborhood also thrives with dance and theater groups, and especially street art: alleys abound with colorful murals, notably during the Festigraff festival, turning the Médina into an open-air museum. Hip-hop artists, slammers, graffiti artists, and musicians gather in multipurpose spaces or at the Espace Médina, an art center founded in the 1960s.
Markets and daily life
Life here revolves around neighborhood markets, small shops, and street stalls. The Médina is known for its main market (Tilène Market), grocery stores, fishmongers, fabrics, and fruits sold directly on the sidewalks. Unlike Sandaga or Kermel, the Médina’s markets maintain a strong local character, rarely visited by tourists but essential to the community’s daily life.
Landmarks of the Médina
- Grand Mosque of the Médina (Rue 19): a major religious and gathering place.
- Rue 19: the main street and heart of the neighborhood, lively at all hours.
- Murals: living testimonies of the neighborhood’s artistic vitality and urban dialogue.
- Colorful houses with inner courtyards: popular architecture from the colonial era, now renovated or occupied by artists.
Anecdotes about the Médina
- Youssou N’Dour recounted playing percussion on tin cans in the streets of the Médina before performing his first concerts with Super Étoile.
- The neighborhood has always been a space for dissent: many union leaders, engaged artists, and members of Senegalese cultural resistance were born or trained here.
- Residents proudly claim their Médina identity, often calling themselves “Médinois,” representing a unique identity within Dakar’s mosaic.
What to do in the Médina of Dakar?
- Explore Rue 19: commerce, atmosphere, popular life, and street art murals.
- Visit the Grand Mosque of the Médina: a key site of Senegalese spirituality and neighborhood hub.
- Admire urban murals during a guided walk or festival.
- Attend a concert or cultural evening, or simply enjoy mbalax during a local evening.
- Meet artisans and residents to discover daily life, markets, community interactions, and the oral history of the Médinois.
Practical information
- Location: west of the Plateau, central and easily accessible.
- Access: taxi (specify “Mosquée de la Médina”), city buses, or walking from the Plateau.
- Recommended duration: 2–3 hours for a stroll, a full day for an in-depth immersion.
- Tips: a local guide is recommended, be careful with photography, carry small bills for purchases, and respect sacred sites and residents.
FAQ
Why visit the Médina? Because it embodies the popular, artistic, and spiritual heart of Dakar, the birthplace of mbalax and countless talents.
Médina vs. Plateau? Médina: traditional, popular, artistic neighborhood. Plateau: administrative and business center, more modern.
Famous artists? Youssou N’Dour, as well as many graffiti artists and dancers.
Can it be visited without a guide? Yes, but a local guide provides valuable cultural insights.
Time to spend? 2–3 hours for an overview, one full day for complete immersion.
