Chinghetti - A Fairy Tale in the Middle of Mauritania

Chinghetti - A Fairy Tale in the Middle of Mauritania

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  • The place
  • Photo Gallery
  • Purchasing Publications, Fine Art Prints, and Licenses
  • Purchasing Publications, Fine Art Prints, and Licenses
  • Travel to Mauritania

The place

Nestled in Mauritania, Chinghetti is a town that seems to be perfectly preserved in an age long past. It was one of the most memorable parts of my journey to this intriguing country. The town's architecture, with its red brick and stone houses, alludes to a bygone era, a living testament to the history it has witnessed.

Together with the cities of Ouadane, Tichitt and Oualata, Chinguetti was designated as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its invaluable contribution to the world's heritage.

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Join us on a unforgettable journey to Mauritania

One of the most notable architectural structures in the town is The Friday Mosque of Chinguetti. This ancient structure, made of dry-stone construction, is an important symbol of the town's religious heritage. It features a distinctive square minaret, embellished with five ostrich egg finials that add to its unique aesthetic. The mosque, which I had the opportunity to photograph from the roof of one of the town's libraries, dates back to the 13th or 14th century. It holds the distinction of being the second oldest minaret still in use in the Muslim world. However, it's important to note that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque.

Mauritania - a travelogue and photo gallery

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Join us on a unforgettable journey to Mauritania

In addition to the mosque, there are other interesting places within the town that are worth noting. These include the former French Foreign Legion fortress, a solid reminder of the town's colonial past, and a towering water tower that offers panoramic views of the town. Each of these places contributes to the extraordinary experience of visiting Chinghetti, a town that allows you to travel back in time and witness history in its most authentic form.

Mauritania - a travelogue and photo gallery

Photo Gallery

Purchasing Publications, Fine Art Prints, and Licenses

Photos from this story are available for direct download as Editorial Royalty Free (ED-RF) or Full Royalty Free (RF) licenses, in packages of 10, or as high-quality unlimited edition fine art prints on premium Hahnemühle or Canson paper. Please inquire about pricing for this story.

The complete publication—including text, photos, videos, and music (if available)—is also available as a single unit for use on your website, in print or online magazines, or on other platforms. Please inquire about pricing. Learn more about purchasing the publication as a whole → Purchasing a Story or Publication

Purchasing Publications, Fine Art Prints, and Licenses

Photos from this story are available for direct download as Editorial Royalty Free (ED-RF) or Full Royalty Free (RF) licenses, in packages of 10, or as high-quality unlimited edition fine art prints on premium Hahnemühle or Canson paper. Please inquire about pricing for this story.

The complete publication—including text, photos, videos, and music (if available)—is also available as a single unit for use on your website, in print or online magazines, or on other platforms. Please inquire about pricing. Learn more about purchasing the publication as a whole → Purchasing a Story or Publication

Travel to Mauritania

Join us on a unforgettable journey to Mauritania, one of the most fascinating and captivating countries in West Africa. Our tour will take you through the country's rich history and culture, from the ancient city of Chinguetti, one of the largest and most important centers of learning in the Muslim world, to the bustling capital city of Nouakchott. Along the way, you'll explore the stunning natural beauty of the Sahara desert, with its towering sand dunes and breathtaking landscapes, and learn about the traditional way of life of the country's nomadic tribes. You'll also have the chance to try some of the delicious local cuisine, including dishes made from traditional ingredients like millet, couscous, and camel meat. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, our tour of Mauritania is the perfect way to discover all that this amazing country has to offer.

We usually have one or two small groups (max 7/8 participants) per year traveling to Mauritania. If you are interested in joining a group setting out from Europe, please drop me a line. We will provide more information, like dates, a program, and other details.

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