Médina stands out as one of the oldest and most populous neighborhoods in Dakar, maintaining its original African character in contrast to the modern districts of the Plateau.

A number of notable Senegalese people, including the world-famous singer Youssou N'Dour and Omar Pene (another influential singer and musician) were born in Médina.

Médina also houses some of the prominent landmarks of Dakar, including the Grand Mosque[1] and the Soumbédioune market, one of the major street markets of Dakar, which is also a prominent tourist attraction.

[2] The commune of Médina was established by the French colonial authorities in 1914.

[3] The explicit intent of the establishment of Médina was that of creating a "native quarter" for the African population, clearly separated from the urban areas inhabited by the Europeans, especially for health-related reasons.