[Vidéo] Bakel: Discovering the spiritual retreat site of Cheikh Oumar Foutiyou Tall

Bakel. A peaceful locality, nestled on the banks of the Senegal River. More than 600 kilometers from Dakar. It has a beautiful particularity. The city hides within it a very rich historical and spiritual heritage. Indeed, at the entrance to the city, where once only boats and canoes could access, there is a place of meditation favored by Sheikh Omar Foutiyou Tall, emblematic figure of Islam in West Africa. Between 1847 and 1858, he made two significant visits there, attracted by the tranquility of the place, the surrounding caves and the proximity of water. An environment conducive to spiritual retreats.

This site, today a place of pilgrimage, welcomes faithful every year who come to honor the memory of the Sheikh. Better still, they seek blessings and appeasement there. The descendants of Cheikh Omar Foutiyou Tall, notably Thierno Madany Tall, regularly visit there, thus perpetuating a centuries-old tradition.

“Galle Sheikh Oumar”

To manage this sacred place and organize the ziarra, an association, Gallé Cheikh Omar, was created. It is chaired by Mamadou Abdoulaye Thiam, chosen by the grandsons of Thierno Madany Tall. Founded on a community spirit, the association brings together men, women and young people, all mobilized to preserve and promote this spiritual heritage.

The first grand ziar organized under their management was held on July 13, 2007, chaired by Thierno Madany Tall. Since then, the association has worked to develop this place of pilgrimage. Thanks to a contribution from the town hall, they obtained 5 hectares of land where they plan to build a large mosque, a modern daara, and a house of contemplation for a religious leader. However, preserving the authenticity of the site remains a priority.

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Until recently, accessing this place was a challenge, with a track impassable by vehicles. But thanks to the combined efforts of members of the association and the community, a passable road was developed. Now, visitors can drive to the site, making it easier for pilgrims, including VIPs, to access the site from afar.

In December 2025, the site will host the next ziarra, an opportunity for faithful from the four corners of Senegal and beyond to come together.

Mamadou Abdoulaye Thiam and the members of the association are calling for increased support to promote this historic and spiritual site. They want to make it an emblematic place, not only for the faithful but also for those who want to discover part of the legacy of Sheikh Omar Foutiyou Tall.

If this place tells a story of spirituality, it is also linked to that of Fort Faidherbe de Bakel, located in the current prefecture of the city. But this connection with colonial history remains another facet, to be explored one day.

Papa Abdoulaye SY, special envoy to Bakel