Name : Ouadâne

Region : Adrar

Population : 3,973 inhabitants (as of 2013)

Area : 74,194 km2

Nestled in a cocoon of sand stretching endlessly across the horizon, in the heart of the Sahara Desert, Ouadâne is a former caravan city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Steeped in history, the city was once an important cultural and spiritual center whose splendor is still reflected today in its ruins.

History

According to historical records, Ouadâne was founded by a Berber tribe between 1141 and 1142 on the ruins of a site dating back to the 8th century. Like other ancient cities in the Adrar region, Ouadâne's history can be divided into three major periods. The first spans the pre-foundation era from 536 to 1141. The second marks the period of Islamization and the arrival of the three founding pilgrims from 1141 onward. The third encompasses the contemporary period with the Emirate of Adrar, colonization, and the country's independence.

Ouadâne is among the cities of Adrar listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. During its golden age, it enjoyed considerable spiritual influence. Many scholars visited and departed enriched with precious knowledge. The city was also an important stop on trans-Saharan caravan trade routes. This strategic commercial position brought it great prosperity between the 14th and 18th centuries.

Because of its great renown, the Portuguese established warehouses there in 1687, hoping to divert gold and other products from Sudan and the Maghreb to their advantage. But after nearly five centuries of prosperity, Ouadâne entered a period of economic, social, and cultural decline that began in the late 17th century. Moreover, increasing climate aridity prompted a significant portion of the population to emigrate, primarily to Chinguetti.

Today

Today, with UNESCO's commitment to safeguarding Mauritania's ancient cities, Ouadâne strives to move forward on a path of development. Its economy, based on seasonal date harvesting, is seeking new momentum. Indeed, most products are currently exported to major urban centers in the country such as Atar or Nouakchott. Culturally, promotional activities aimed at revitalizing various aspects of the city's historical heritage have also been undertaken.

Moreover, to address the city's isolation, a compacted track was constructed to connect the city to Atar, the capital of Adrar. Today, when visiting Ouadâne, one can see that the ruins of the ancient city occupy the entire southern flank. At other sites further north, it is still possible to find tools dating from very remote periods. Similarly, visiting the libraries of maraboutic families reveals the considerable number of books and manuscripts in Arabic that these families still possess.

Climate and Geography

Ouadâne is located 180 km northeast of the city of Atar and 618 km from the capital, Nouakchott. The city is built on the side of a cliff face. The climate is desert in character, marked by very dry temperatures and extremely rare rainfall. There is also a pronounced temperature variation between day and night. While daytime temperatures average between 25°C to 30°C, nighttime temperatures drop to 5°C to 15°C.

What to See and Do?

• Trekking
• Explore the ruins of the ancient city
• Visit the libraries of maraboutic families