Published 4 months ago • loading... • Updated 4 months ago

Ancient Town and Its Manuscripts Face Ravages of the Sahara

Oualata, a southeastern medieval town near Mali's border, is one of four ancient UNESCO-listed fortified ksour vulnerable to Sahara's harsh conditions.
The town's vulnerability results from extreme desertification affecting 80% of Mauritania, driven by climate change and poor land practices.
Oualata hosts a family library with over 2,000 restored books, including 223 manuscripts dating back to the 14th century, preserved despite population decline.
Sidiya calls Oualata 'a magnificent, extraordinary town' struggling with building collapses after heavy rains, while residents relocate seeking jobs.
Efforts like annual festivals raise funds for renovation, but Oualata lacks tourism and infrastructure, and jihadist threats limit travel and development prospects.

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47 Articles

Al Jazeera

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Preserving Oualata’s fragile manuscript legacy amid desert threats

Centuries-old manuscripts in Oualata libraries face destruction as desert sands encroach on ancient Mauritanian town.

4 months ago·Qatar

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NDTV

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IBTimes Australia

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Ancient Town And Its Manuscripts Face Ravages Of The Sahara

From his roof, Sidi Mohamed Lemine Sidiya scans the mediaeval town of Oualata, a treasure that is disappearing under the sands of the Mauritanian desert.

4 months ago·New Delhi, India

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InsideNoVA.com

+43 Reposted by 43 other sources

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Ancient town and its manuscripts face ravages of the Sahara

From his roof, Sidi Mohamed Lemine Sidiya scans the mediaeval town of Oualata, a treasure that is disappearing under the sands of the Mauritanian desert.

4 months ago

Read Full Article

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