Chinguetti

Old book

What do an oasis, ancient manuscripts and Mad Max have in common?

December 22nd 2023
Nothing! And everything. Read on if you are curious. If not, also read on. Why not, after all. Reading is good for you. So, to start. An oasis. Terjit. It's in the north of Mauritania. Wonderful place. Quiet, peaceful (those two go together to be honest), green-ish... I mean, it's not like the Amazon transplanted in the desert of course, but it's what one expects. A few date trees, a little stream ... read more

Africa » Mauritania » Trarza » Nouakchott

Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976, but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. ... ... read more

31st December 2023

Dancing Dave
David Hooper

Chinguetti
What a wonderful blog to read of your adventures in Mauritania, Ralf. Libraries of ancient Islamic learning...an opportunity you will savour all your days no doubt. We were fortunate to see ancient Islamic manuscripts in Timbuktu in Mali including of astronomy. only months before Al-Qaida marched into Timbuktu and started destroying hundreds of years of Islamic learning. Fortunately, some were saved as custodians buried manuscripts to preserve them from wanton destruction. I remember seeing the reports of destruction on TV with tears in my eyes. I wish I had taken more photos but the ones I have will endure. This pic of yours is a treasure, Ralf, handled with gloves as they are so, so precious. How lucky are you to have some pics to enjoy and take you back there.

1st January 2024

His Dudeness
Ralf Kreuze

Timbuktu
One day, I wish to visit Timbuktu myself. Not only to see those ancient manuscripts that are preserved there. But also for the people, and maybe, if things really change, a chance to visit the festival in the desert. Insh' Allah, as they say. Fundamentalist destroy much, but there are always brave people who save. And they often save more then you would think. And here's a fun fact, before Mauritania was named Mauritania, it was actually known as Chinguetti...

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