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In the far reaches of southeastern Mauritania, the ancient town of Oualata-a UNESCO World Heritage site- is quietly fading under the weight of time and neglect. Once a thriving hub of trade, scholarship, and Islamic learning, Oualata now stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic of a proud past, its ornate buildings and priceless manuscripts threatened by depopulation and disrepair.
Oualata is one of four UNESCO-listed "ksour"-fortified desert towns in Mauritania-that played a vital role in trans-Saharan trade routes during the Middle Ages. Its intricate architecture, painted façades, and precious libraries once drew scholars and traders from across the Islamic world.
Today, the story is different. Many of Oualata's residents have left in search of better economic opportunities, leaving behind crumbling homes and unmaintained heritage structures. The few who remain struggle to preserve the town's rich history with limited resources.
At the Taleb Boubacar Library, one of the last bastions of the town’s cultural wealth, library manager Mohamed Ben Baty carefully examines an ancient manuscript. Passed down through generations, these documents contain theological, literary, and scientific knowledge that once flourished in the region. "These texts are our history," he says. "But without help, they could disappear forever."
The town's remaining buildings, many decorated with traditional red and white motifs, are slowly deteriorating. A general view of a damaged house reveals how fragile the town’s heritage has become. Without proper restoration efforts, experts warn that this irreplaceable legacy may be lost.
Oualata's plight reflects broader challenges faced by historic desert towns across the Sahel- caught between the demands of modernity and the need to preserve a unique cultural identity. As the world celebrates heritage, locals and conservationists are calling for urgent action to save what remains of this medieval jewel.
(Photos by Patrick Meinhardt / AFP)
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