It was built at the end of the fifteenth century and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

UNESCO describes the tomb as a fine example of the monumental mud-building traditions of the West African Sahel.

It has also been regularly replastered throughout its history, a process essential to the maintenance and repair of mud structures.

Electricity was added in the early 2000s, allowing for ceiling fans, lights and a loudspeaker mounted on top.

Askia is in regular use as a mosque and a publicly owned cultural centre for the city of Gao.