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- The place
- Purchasing Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints, RM Licenses, and/or the Whole Publication
- Purchasing Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints, RM Licenses, and/or the Whole Publication
- Travel to Mauritania
The place
My journey through Mauritania with friends was an extraordinary experience. I had known about the libraries in Chinguetti, which were one of the main goals of our trip. However, the reality surpassed my expectations. Touching the ancient texts, feeling the paper, and connecting with the knowledge—and thereby, history itself—was an experience that bordered on the mystical.
Nestled in the heart of the Sahara Desert, the ancient city of Chinguetti in Mauritania holds a treasure trove of knowledge within its historic libraries. These libraries, some dating back to the 13th century, have earned Chinguetti the title of "City of Libraries" and a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
During our visit, we found five active libraries in the city. We explored one of them, where a man welcomed us and presented ancient texts, some over 300 years old. He then recited a portion of the Quran. His voice was beautiful, and the atmosphere was mystical—a description I hesitate to use, yet it fits perfectly.
The libraries of Chinguetti were once part of a thriving center of Islamic learning, attracting scholars from across North Africa and beyond. Today, they house thousands of precious manuscripts covering diverse subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, law, and literature. Many of these texts are written in beautiful calligraphy on fragile parchment, carefully preserved by generations of dedicated custodians.
Among the most notable libraries is the Al-Ahmed Mahmoud Library, which contains over 1,400 manuscripts. The Habott Library, managed by the same family for centuries, boasts a collection of nearly 1,500 works. These libraries not only serve as repositories of knowledge but also as living testaments to Chinguetti's rich intellectual heritage.
Despite the challenges posed by the harsh desert environment and the passage of time, efforts are underway to preserve these invaluable collections. The libraries of Chinguetti continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into a golden age of scholarship and the enduring power of the written word in one of the world's most remote corners.
Join us on a unforgettable journey to Mauritania
Mauritania - a travelogue and photo gallery
Purchasing Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints, RM Licenses, and/or the Whole Publication
All images in the publication and/or photo gallery are available for purchase as Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints and/or licensed using Rights Managed Image Licensing. The publication may also be available for purchase as a single unit, including the text, photos, videos, or music (if available), as one complete publication that you can use on your website, in a magazine (print or online), or on other platforms.
Please check the corresponding sections for more information:
Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints
Rights Managed Image Licensing
Purchasing a Story or Publication
Purchasing Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints, RM Licenses, and/or the Whole Publication
All images in the publication and/or photo gallery are available for purchase as Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints and/or licensed using Rights Managed Image Licensing. The publication may also be available for purchase as a single unit, including the text, photos, videos, or music (if available), as one complete publication that you can use on your website, in a magazine (print or online), or on other platforms.
Please check the corresponding sections for more information:
Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints
Rights Managed Image Licensing
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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