Saving Mauritania's Desert City of Knowledge from the Sands of Time

Saif Islam, the custodian of the family library Al Ahmed Mahmoud, has been working tirelessly to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Chinguetti, a tiny desert settlement in Mauritania, from the encroaching desert sands. At the age of 67, Islam continues to safeguard the city's historical libraries, which have been a vital stop for travellers and a hub for libraries preserving religious and scientific manuscripts for centuries. Islam's dedication to preserving the city's history is evident in the way he speaks about the importance of the libraries. "Its these books that gave it this history, this importance," he said, pointing to a 10th-century Quran, its pages brown with age. "Without these old dusty books, Chinguetti would have been forgotten like any other abandoned town." Islam's words highlight the significance of the libraries in preserving the city's cultural identity. Chinguetti, known as the city of libraries, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The city was a major stop for traders and scholars, and its libraries contained a vast collection of manuscripts, including ancient texts on mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. However, the city's significance has been dwindling in recent years due to the rising desert sands, dwindling tourism, and insecurity caused by conflict in neighboring Mali. Islam's efforts to preserve the libraries are not only a testament to his dedication to the city's history but also a reflection of the importance of cultural preservation in the face of environmental and social challenges. "The city's history is not just about the libraries, it's about the people who lived here, their stories, and their experiences," Islam said. "We need to preserve this history so that future generations can learn from it and appreciate the significance of this city." The city's libraries have been a source of inspiration for many, including scholars and researchers who have come to Chinguetti to study the ancient manuscripts. However, the city's decline has also led to a decline in tourism, which has had a significant impact on the local economy. Islam's efforts to preserve the libraries are not only a way to preserve the city's history but also to promote tourism and support the local economy. Despite the challenges, Islam remains optimistic about the future of Chinguetti and its libraries. "We are working hard to preserve the libraries and promote the city's history," he said. "We believe that if we can preserve the city's cultural heritage, we can also preserve the city itself." Islam's words highlight the importance of cultural preservation in the face of environmental and social challenges and serve as a reminder of the significance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. As the desert sands continue to encroach on Chinguetti, Islam's efforts to preserve the city's libraries remain a beacon of hope for the city's future. His dedication to preserving the city's history is a testament to the importance of cultural preservation and serves as a reminder of the significance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.