Chinguetti is a historic city situated on the desert plateaus of Adrar, in the center-west of Mauritania. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, this city attracts a growing number of visitors each year thanks to its extraordinary architecture and cultural significance. Nicknamed the "Sorbonne of the Desert", this fascinating and intriguing city is a major highlight of a stay in Mauritania.

History

According to legend, the very first city of Chinguetti was established in the year 777. At that time, it was known as "Aber." Today, this original settlement lies buried beneath the sand. A second city was then founded in 1264, which is what we now call the "old city." This is where the famous Chinguetti Mosque and the libraries that made the city renowned can be found. The new city, by contrast, was built by the French in 1917 on the plateaus to protect it from encroaching sand.

For centuries, Chinguetti was a major trading hub connecting North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Over time, it became a renowned center of learning where philosophers, poets, doctors, jurists, and mathematicians seeking knowledge converged. It also became a prestigious pilgrimage destination, earning it the status of the seventh holy city of Islam. In January 1909, Chinguetti fell into French hands, and ten years later they constructed a fort there, the Fort Claudel, named in honor of a French commander. Today, only a few dozen houses remain from the old city, most of them in ruins.

Today

Today, Chinguetti ranks among Mauritania's premier tourist destinations. The city is divided by a small watercourse, or "oued," which is now dry. On one side lies the old city, on the other the new one. The old city is nearly deserted except during the major family gathering (guetna), when natives from across the country reunite. Among the sites worth visiting here is the cemetery, which is a treasure trove of information for those wanting to discover the city's history. Although the graves are simple—merely stones with the deceased's names engraved upon them—an analysis of the different calligraphic styles used reveals the various ethnic groups that once lived here. Beyond the cemetery, the ancient mosque is also among the wonders of the old city. While entry is forbidden to non-Muslims, admiring its splendor from the outside is more than sufficient. Of the 12 mosques that once existed, this is the only one that survived the encroaching sands. Built at the city's center, it serves as a junction where countless narrow alleyways converge.

The new city, meanwhile, is known for its administrative buildings and schools. In fact, it's the only region within an 80 km radius that houses a municipal school. You'll also find around a dozen libraries containing thousands of manuscripts, some dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Among these, the Habott library is the most prestigious, housing remarkably rare collections. For the more adventurous, the desert surrounding Chinguetti offers opportunities for various activities such as camel treks, 4X4 safaris, and more.

Climate and Geography

Chinguetti is situated on the desert plateaus of Adrar, in the center-west of Mauritania. Although it is gradually being engulfed by sand, the city has managed to preserve its intricate urban fabric dating from the 12th to 16th centuries, with its patio houses huddled along narrow alleyways around a mosque featuring a square minaret adorned with 5 ostrich eggs.

The climate is desert-type: extremely dry with very rare rainfall. There is also a significant temperature variation between day and night: from December to February, daytime temperatures range from 20 to 30°C, dropping to 5 to 15°C at night. In October, November, March, and April, they approach 25 to 35°C during the day and 15 to 25°C at night.

What to See and Do?

• Visit the cemetery in the old city
• Admire the architecture of the ancient mosque
• Discover the libraries that have made the city famous
• Camel trekking through the desert
• 4X4 safari