Byzantine, Gothic, Baroque, Modernist? We are familiar with many different styles of ?Western? architecture because they are celebrated and rightly so. Ottoman-style mosques and the pagodas of East Asia are also instantly recognizable, as well as the temples of the pre-colonial civilizations that flourished in Central and South America.
However, the Great Pyramids Of Giza aside, the glories of African architecture are often shamefully overlooked. Sadly, this is a symptom of a larger problem overall, where the rich diversity and culture of the African continent is largely glossed over in international media.
Most reporting from the continent focuses only on issues that reinforce negative stereotypes ? those of poverty, disease and war. (H/T)

Image credits: 1ncognito___
There is much to appreciate about pre-colonial Africa ? which is barely ever mentioned outside of history books. Up to 10,000 different states and autonomous groups with distinct languages and customs existed, and many advanced kingdoms and empires ? such as the Asante Union, the Mossi Kingdom and the Zulu Kingdom ? thrived before Europeans arrived with their guns, slavery and religion.

Image credits: 1ncognito___

A Twitter account called ?Igbo Excellence? (the Igbo people are an ethnic group from south and eastern Nigeria) decided that it was time to showcase some of the best African architecture, and his thread went viral as people appreciated these overlooked gems.

Image credits: 1ncognito___

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