Tchit, Mauritania 2005 Although once Tchit was a thriving community on the silk road now it is an isolated village of several hundred people. We were there on the night that Ramadan ended and the entire populace hurried to join … Continue reading
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Oualata, Mauritania 2005 Oualata was known in the 14th century as one of the ‘seven sacred cities of Islam’. Its reputation as a holy city with well stocked libraries attracted scholars and future imams. As an oasis deep in the Sahara, it was a … Continue reading
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Tjeka, Mauritania 2005 After days of nothing but sand and sky, I was happy to see the “bustling metropolis” of Tjeka. It was market day and the locals sat under makeshift awnings to sell their produce…mainly onions and a few … Continue reading
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Sahara Desert 2005: Somewhere in Mauritania We stopped to camp near some scrubby palm trees around four in the afternoon on that day. One of the cars had a problem with the transmission and our mechanic needed a few daylight hours … Continue reading
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The Celebration at the End of Ramadan Tchit, Mauritania 2005 Tchit is an ancient caravan stopover in the Sahara Desert. I’m guessing, but I think less than a thousand people live there. The population had recently dropped due to the … Continue reading
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Araouane, Mali 2005 The headman’s son pours tea near the door to the sand filled front room of his home. Notice the height of the teapot as he pours the tea. Not only does this aerate the tea and enhance flavor, … Continue reading
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Mali, somewhere in the Sahara between Araouane and Tombouctou, 2001 Our guide’s keen eye spotted this white Touareg tent even though it blended into the grayish white sands of the desert. Just one family occupied the tent…an old man, a … Continue reading
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Araouane, Mali 2005: Araoune is an important oasis in the Sahara between Tombouctou and Taodenni. The mullah who taught at the Araouane madrassa was considered holy by all who knew of him. His blessing was sought by the Touareg men of the salt caravans before … Continue reading
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Sahara Desert 2006 … somewhere in Mauritania. I thought you’d like to see what a nomad’s tent looks like inside. This is a Mauritanian tent and is different from the Moroccan tent I showed you a couple of days ago. The … Continue reading
Here are the last two photos about the manuscripts of Chinguetti. The man posing with his priceless books wears a gandoura. The Mauritanian style is this voluminous, toga like garment with, if you have the money, lots of embroidery in … Continue reading
