Happy TravellerWelcome to Kaolack, a vibrant town located on the north bank of the Saloum River in Senegal. With a population of 172,305 people (2002 census), Kaolack is the capital of the Kaolack Region and an important regional market town. It is also Senegal’s main peanut trading and processing center. But there’s more to Kaolack than just its economic significance. As the center of the Ibrahimiyya branch of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order founded by Ibrayima Ñas, it is also a major center of Islamic education. The Leona Niassene mosque, one of the largest and best-known in Senegal, is located in Kaolack.
History:
Kaolack is situated on the Saloum River about 100 kilometers (62 mi) from its mouth. It is the successor city to Kahone, the historic capital of the kingdom of Saloum. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it consisted of a number of distinct neighborhoods separated by open fields, each of which was under the jurisdiction of a different dignitary or official. One of these wards, Kaolack, 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) downriver, was founded by Sega and Massar, two brothers of Fulani origin from Macina in today’s Mali. After a period of exile in British-controlled Gambia between 1901 and 1910, Abdoulaye Niass established his Zawiya in the Leona neighborhood of Kaolack. The community of followers of Ibrāhīm Niasse known as Jamāʿat al-fayḍa (lit. The Community of the Divine Flood) established a Holy Town borders of what is now known as Kaolack called Medina-Baye in 1930.
Climate:
Kaolack has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSh), with a short rainy season and a lengthy dry season.
Neighborhoods:
Among Kaolack’s many neighborhoods are Lewna (Léona in French), which includes much of the city center. It includes Lewna Ñaseen (Léona Niassène in French), the headquarters of the branch of the Tijānī Islamic order founded in 1910 by Allaaji Abdulaay Ñas after his exile in Gambia. Jaleñ (Dialègne in French), between Lewna Ñaseen and Medina Mbàbba. Medina Mbàbba (Médina Mbaba in French), also called Medina I, named after Baabakar Njaay, nicknamed Mbàbba Njaay, who was the Serer chief of the village when it was incorporated into Kaolack. Medina Baay (Médina Baye in French), also called Medina II, on the northeast edge of the city. It is the center of the Ibrāhīmiiya branch of the Tijānī order founded in 1930 by Allaaji Abdulaay Ñass son, Ibrayima Ñas, known to his followers as Baay (Father in Wolof). The name in Arabic means The City of Baay. Saam (Sam in French), west of Medina Baay in the north of Kaolack, also founded by Ibrayima Ñas. Saam was originally designated as the fields and orchards of Ibrayima Ñass disciples, but since the 1970s the trees have been replaced by houses. Ndoorong (Ndorong in French), west of Saam, founded by Bashiru Mbàkke and his Murid disciples. Coofog (Thiofoke in French), north of Saam, which existed before Kaolack as a Serer village ruled by the Guelowar dynasty.
Twin towns — Sister cities:
Kaolack is twinned with Aosta, Italy; Mérignac, France; and Memphis, United States.
Whether you’re interested in history, religion, or simply soaking up the local culture, Kaolack has something for everyone. Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of this charming town for yourself!
