Touba is a city in Senegal, located in the Diourbel Region, about 200 kilometers east of the capital city of Dakar. It is the second-largest city in the country, with a population of over one million people. Touba is known for its religious significance, as it is the home of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood, one of the largest Sufi orders in the world. It is also a major center of Islamic scholarship and education, and is the birthplace of the Mouride movement.
The city was founded in 1887 by Sheikh Amadou Bamba, the founder of the Mouride Sufi order. Bamba was born into a noble family in the town of Mbacké, and was an Islamic scholar and a spiritual leader. He traveled extensively throughout West Africa, preaching the message of Islam and establishing Islamic schools and mosques. In 1887, he founded the city of Touba, which became the spiritual and administrative center of the Mouride movement.
Since its founding, Touba has grown into a major center of Islamic scholarship and education. It is home to a number of Islamic universities, including the University of Touba, the Grand Mosque of Touba, and the Islamic University of Touba. The city also hosts a number of annual Islamic events and festivals, including the Grand Magal of Touba, a three-day celebration that takes place every year in November.
Touba is also known for its architecture, which is heavily influenced by traditional Islamic design. The city is home to a number of impressive mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Touba, which was built in the early 20th century and is one of the largest mosques in West Africa. Other notable mosques include the Mosque of Cheikh Amadou Bamba and the Mosque of the Seven Saints.
Touba is also a major center of commerce and industry in Senegal. It is home to a number of factories and industries, including textile mills, food processing plants, and chemical plants. The city is also a major center of transportation, with a number of highways and railway lines connecting it to other parts of the country.
Touba is a popular tourist destination, with its mosques, universities, and other attractions drawing visitors from all over the world. It is also home to a vibrant nightlife, with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs offering a variety of entertainment. Touba is a vibrant and diverse city, and its unique history and culture make it an interesting and rewarding destination for visitors.