Visited April 2023. As part of a 5-day private tour of Burkina Faso I stayed 2 nights in Bobo-Dioulasso and was able to visit this site. The most recognizable part of this site is the Sudano-Sahelian style mosque which sits on a square at the edge of the historical quarter. We were able to visit inside and on top of the mosque with a local guide to escort us. Due to the traditional nature of its construction it is constantly being repaired. Despite being in the center of the second largest city in the country, Sya has managed to maintain a traditional atmosphere and way of life that is centuries old. It somehow still feels like walking around a traditional village, isolated from the rest of the city. The traditional village is still populated and run by a few core families and is divided into 4 small sections, the muslim residences, the animist residences, blacksmith area and musicians section. It is still possible to see some of these activities still taking place, from brewing local to liquor to metalwork crafts. The authenticity factor feels very high.

Unfortunately the whole area is in desperate need of some maintenance and a clean up, there is garbage everywhere and walls are crumbling in many places. With the current state Burkina Faso is in there might not be much left by the time a nomination ever comes around. We spent 1.5 hours or so visiting the area.