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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.
Mauritania - a travelogue and photo gallery
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.
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Thousand Voyages Photography | The Guardian of Words—an ancient library in the old town of Chinguetti, Mauritania
Gallery: The Guardian of Words—an ancient library in the old town of Chinguetti, Mauritania on Thousand Voyages Photography
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