The event is a massive driver for the Senegalese economy, generating approximately CFA 300 billion annually. 4. Life in the Holy City

The heart of Touba is the , one of the largest in Africa. It is not just a building; it is a monument to the resilience of the Senegalese people against colonial rule.

It commemorates the anniversary of Bamba's 1895 exile to Gabon by the French. Instead of mourning his suffering, Bamba instructed his followers to celebrate the spiritual victories he achieved during that time.

Thousands of pilgrims daily visit the tomb of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba to seek his baraka (spiritual blessing). 3. The Grand Magal: A Global Gathering

In 1887, Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba experienced a divine revelation while meditating under a tree in the wilderness. This location became , which means "Paradise" or "Blessedness" in Arabic.

Bamba described Touba as a place where the Lord "rid me of all obstacles the minute I entered it".

The "1" typically signifies the first in a series of religious teachings, poems (Khassaides), or historical accounts documenting the founding and spiritual laws of the holy city. 1. The Foundation of Touba (1887)

Touba is unique because it is an . The Senegalese government has limited authority here; instead, the city is governed by the Caliph General of the Mourides.