Latest news with #trans-Saharan
The Star
08-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Encroaching Sahara puts centuries-old town and manuscripts at risk
From his roof, Sidi Mohamed Lemine Sidiya scans the mediaeval town of Oualata, a treasure that is disappearing under the sands of the Mauritanian desert. "It's a magnificent, extraordinary town," said Sidiya, who is battling to preserve the place known as the "Shore of Eternity". Oualata is one of a Unesco-listed quartet of ancient, fortified towns or "ksour", which in their heyday were trading and religious centres and now hold jewels dating back to the Middle Ages. Doors crafted from acacia wood and adorned with traditional motifs painted by local women still dot the town. Centuries-old manuscripts, a rich source of cultural and literary heritage handed down through the generations, are also held in family libraries. But the southeastern town near the border with Mali is vulnerable to the ravages of the Sahara's extreme conditions. In the punishing heat, piles of stone and walls that are ripped open bear witness to the impact of the latest, especially heavy rainy season. "Many houses have collapsed because of the rains," Khady said, standing by her crumbling home, which she inherited from her grandparents. Library manager Mohamed Ben Baty examines an ancient manuscript inside the Taleb Boubacar Library in Oualata. Photo: AFP An exodus of people leaving Oualata only compounds the problem. "The houses became ruins because their owners left them," said Sidiya, a member of a national foundation dedicated to preserving the region's ancient towns. Encroaching sands For decades, Oualata's population has been dwindling as residents move away in search of jobs, leaving nobody to maintain the historic buildings. Its traditional constructions are covered in a reddish mudbrick coating called banco and were designed to adapt to the conditions. But once the rains have stopped, the buildings need maintenance work. Much of the old town is now empty, with only around a third of the buildings inhabited. "Our biggest problem is desertification. Oualata is covered in sand everywhere," Sidiya said. Around 80 percent of Mauritania is affected by desertification - an extreme form of land degradation - caused by "climate change (and) inappropriate operating practices", according to the environment ministry. Mohamed Lemine Sidiya of the National Foundation for the Preservation of Ancient Cities walks past a traditional painting in his Oualata home. Photo: AFP More plants and trees used to grow in the desert, Boubacar Diop, head of the ministry's Protection of Nature department, said. "The desert experienced a green period before the great desertification of the 1970s caused the installation of sand dunes," Diop said. By the 1980s, Oualata's mosque was so covered in sand that "people were praying on top of the mosque" rather than inside it, Bechir Barick, who teaches geography at Nouakchott University, said. Despite being battered by the wind and sand, Oualata has preserved relics attesting to its past glory as a city on the trans-Saharan caravan trade route and centre of Islamic learning. "We inherited this library from our ancestors, founders of the town," Mohamed Ben Baty said, turning the pages of a 300-year-old manuscript in a banco-covered building that remains cool despite the outside temperature. Like his forebears, the imam is the repository of almost 1,000 years of knowledge, descending from a long line of scholars of the Quran. 'Valuable' for researchers The family library has 223 manuscripts, the oldest of which dates to the 14th century, Ben Baty said. In a tiny, cluttered room, he half-opened a cupboard to reveal its precious content: centuries-old writings whose survival might once have seemed in doubt. For decades, Oualata's population has been dwindling as residents move away in search of jobs, leaving nobody to maintain the historic buildings. Photo: AFP "These books, at one time, were very poorly maintained and exposed to destruction," Ben Baty said, pointing to water stains on sheets slipped into plastic sleeves. Books in the past were stored in trunks "but when it rains, the water seeps in and can spoil the books," he said. Part of the roof collapsed eight years ago during the rainy season. In the 1990s, Spain helped to fund the setting up of a library in Oualata which holds more than 2,000 books that were restored and digitally copied. But lack of financing now means their continued preservation depends on the goodwill of a few enthusiasts, like Ben Baty, who does not even live in Oualata all year round. "The library needs a qualified expert to ensure its management and sustainability because it contains a wealth of valuable documentation for researchers in various fields: languages, Quranic sciences, history, astronomy," he added. Oualata has no real tourism to rely on - it has no hotel and the nearest town is two hours away travelling on just a track. It is also in an area where many countries advise against travelling to due to the threat of jihadist violence. Faced with the encroaching desert, trees were planted around the town three decades ago but it was not enough, Sidiya said. Several initiatives have sought to save Oualata and the three other ancient towns, which were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 1996. An annual festival takes place in one of the four to raise money for renovations and investment to develop the towns and encourage people to stay. Once the sun drops behind the Dhaar mountains and the air cools, hundreds of children venture out into the streets and Oualata comes to life. - AFP
India.com
07-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
World's richest Muslim ever was much wealthier than Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk, Adani, Tata, went to Mecca with gold worth…, name was...
World's richest Muslim ever was much wealthier than Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk, Adani, Tata, went to Mecca with gold worth…, name was... With a net worth of Rs $335B, Elon Musk is the richest person according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This net worth, however, stands in abject comparison with the wealth of a historical figure. Did you know that history speaks of someone whose wealth outshines even today's richest figures like Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk, Adani, and Tata? Well, the individual was Mansa Musa, the 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire in West Africa, widely regarded as the richest person to have ever lived. Born in 1280 AD and crowned king in 1312 AD, he is considered to be the richest man to have ever lived. If his net worth is adjusted for inflation, it would be a mind-boggling $400 billion, dwarfing the wealth of today's top billionaires. Mansa Musa's reign made the Mali Empire a cultural and economic behemoth, covering present-day Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. The empire was abundant in natural resources, with gold and salt deposits in regions such as Bambuk, Bure, and Wangara creating immense riches. Mali's prime location on the trans-Saharan trade routes established it as a vital commercial nexus, linking Africa with Europe and the Middle East. Mansa Musa's famous pilgrimage to Mecca was so lavish that it caused significant economic disruptions, including inflation, in the areas he traveled through. Lucy Duran, a researcher from the School of African and Oriental Studies in London, emphasizes that Musa's generosity forms a fundamental part of his legacy, showcasing his unwavering commitment to distributing his wealth and aiding others on an extraordinary scale. Mansa Musa was renowned not just for his vast wealth but also for his remarkable generosity. One of the most extraordinary events in his life was his legendary pilgrimage to Mecca, considered one of the most lavish journeys ever recorded. His caravan was unmatched in scale, featuring 100 camels carrying gold, 12,000 attendants, and a procession of 60,000 enslaved people. Historical records estimate that he carried around 18 tonnes of gold—an astonishing amount worth nearly $957 million in 2022. This pilgrimage showcased Musa's incredible riches and firmly established his status as a figure of global importance. As Mansa Musa journeyed through cities like Cairo, his extravagant distribution of gold poured immense wealth into the local economy. However, this sudden surge in currency supply led to unforeseen consequences—triggering inflation and a short-term drop in the value of gold. While his generosity was widely admired, it also underscored the overwhelming magnitude of his fortune and the profound economic ripple effects it created. He is often considered the richest person to have ever lived. It is reported that his wealth surpasses even the richest individuals of today, such as Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk, Adani, and Tata.
Libya Review
04-06-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Benghazi Airport to Open in 2026
Libya is set to launch a major gateway into global trade and aviation with the opening of the $1.3 billion Benghazi International Airport in 2026, a key pillar of the country's Vision 2030 strategy to transform itself into a regional hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Delivered by the National Development Agency (NDA) in partnership with Global Builders Company, a subsidiary of Terminal Group Holding, the new airport marks one of Libya's most ambitious infrastructure undertakings to date. At the forefront is Mahmud Elforjani, executive director of the NDA, who has championed major projects aligned with Libya's national agenda. 'The new Benghazi International Airport is not just a gateway to the world — it's a gateway to Libya's future,' said Elforjani. 'This project will catalyse trade, tourism, and economic development, while showcasing the immense potential of our people and our geography.' Spanning 24 square kilometres, the airport will accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually. The design includes a 125,000m² passenger terminal, a VIP terminal, cargo logistics hub, and a 3.8-kilometre runway — the longest in North Africa and fully capable of handling aircraft like the Airbus A380. The new facility is a cornerstone among over 150 strategic infrastructure projects being implemented under Vision 2030 Libya, a national development blueprint aimed at building a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive economy. The strategy is founded on three pillars: A Flourishing Society, A Balanced Economy, and A State for the People. Benghazi International Airport will be fully integrated with the nearby Juliana Free Zone and Port, currently undergoing upgrades to serve as a multimodal transport and trade centre. The broader vision also includes trans-Saharan corridors, economic free zones, and strengthened connectivity to sub-Saharan Africa. More than 2,500 jobs are being created through the project, involving teams from 12 countries, yet its development focus remains local and inclusive. Opportunities in employment, training, and services are being extended to Libyans, reinforcing the NDA's commitment to human capital and regional upliftment. Additionally, Libya's ultra-low aviation fuel costs are expected to attract major international airlines and logistics operators, offering a competitive edge in a tightening global aviation market. With Benghazi's transformation into a logistics and transport powerhouse, the new airport represents not only a bold infrastructural leap — but a strategic pivot toward Libya's long-term stability and prosperity. Tags: benghaziBenghazi AirportMiddle EastNational Development AgencyNDA
Morocco World
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Chinese Tire Manufacturer Yongsheng Rubber to Build Factory in Kenitra
Doha – Shandong Yongsheng Rubber, a major Chinese tire manufacturer founded in 1986, has announced plans to construct a tire factory in Morocco's Kenitra Automotive City. The company made its announcement on Wednesday, according to confirmed reports. The plant will be built within the special economic zone along Kenitra's Atlantic front. Construction is expected to begin within the next six months, with operations anticipated to start in two to three years. The facility will initially produce 6 million semi-steel radial tires annually, with plans to gradually increase capacity to 12 million units per year. The manufactured tires will be primarily destined for export to European, African, and American markets. Yongsheng Rubber currently operates several production units in China with a combined annual output of 20 million semi-steel radial tires and 6 million all-steel radial tires. The company markets its products under brands including Yongsheng, Jixiang, Tracmax, and Road King. A company representative cited in the specialized industrial portal Tanhei Gongye Wang highlighted Morocco's strategic advantages. 'The location of Morocco, facing Europe and at the confluence of trans-Saharan logistics axes, constitutes an open window to three continents,' the executive stated. The Chinese manufacturer also plans to capitalize on preferential tariffs offered through Morocco's free trade agreements with numerous economic jurisdictions, including the European Union, the United States, and several West African countries. Read also: Morocco Is the New Automotive Manufacturing Powerhouse The new factory will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to produce high-performance models meeting technical standards for developed markets. Before settling on Kenitra, Yongsheng Rubber explored other potential locations. A delegation from the company visited the Oriental region's Skills and Competencies Center (CMC) in January and February. The team sought to assess available training programs and identify potential human resource pipelines for a possible industrial site at the Nador West Med port-industrial complex, which could create approximately 1,800 jobs. The project has already completed preliminary administrative procedures, including regulatory registration. This new Chinese venture supports Morocco's industrial transformation into an automotive assembly and export platform. In addition to its Moroccan factory, Shandong Yongsheng Rubber plans to establish two other tire plants in Europe and Latin America, as well as technical research centers in Asia and Europe. Tags: chinese investments in MoroccoTire manufacturer
NDTV
28-05-2025
- NDTV
Ancient Town And Its Manuscripts Face Ravages Of The Sahara
Nouakchott: From his roof, Sidi Mohamed Lemine Sidiya scans the mediaeval town of Oualata, a treasure that is disappearing under the sands of the Mauritanian desert. "It's a magnificent, extraordinary town," said Mr Sidiya, who is battling to preserve the place known as the "Shore of Eternity". Oualata is one of a UNESCO-listed quartet of ancient, fortified towns or "ksour", which in their heyday were trading and religious centres and now hold architectural jewels dating back to the Middle Ages. Doors crafted from acacia wood and adorned with traditional motifs painted by local women still dot the town. Centuries-old manuscripts, a rich source of cultural and literary heritage handed down through the generations, are also held in family libraries. But the southeastern town near the border with Mali is vulnerable to the ravages of the Sahara's extreme conditions. In the punishing heat, piles of stone and walls that are ripped open bear witness to the impact of the latest, especially heavy, rainy season. "Many houses have collapsed because of the rains," said one local called Mr Khady, standing by her crumbling home, which she inherited from her grandparents. An exodus of people leaving Oualata only compounds the problem. "The houses became ruins because their owners left them," said Mr Sidiya, a member of a national foundation dedicated to preserving the region's ancient towns. Encroaching Sands For decades, Oualata's population has been dwindling as residents move away in search of jobs, leaving nobody to maintain the historic buildings. Its traditional constructions are covered in a reddish mudbrick coating called banco and were designed to adapt to the conditions. But once the rains have stopped, the buildings need maintenance work. Much of the old town is now empty, with only around a third of the buildings inhabited. "Our biggest problem is desertification. Oualata is covered in sand everywhere," Sidiya said. Around 80 percent of Mauritania is affected by desertification -- an extreme form of land degradation -- caused by "climate change (and) inappropriate operating practices", according to the environment ministry. More plants and trees used to grow in the desert, Boubacar Diop, head of the ministry's Protection of Nature department, said. "The desert experienced a green period before the great desertification of the 1970s caused the installation of sand dunes," Diop said. By the 1980s, Mr Oualata's mosque was so covered in sand that "people were praying on top of the mosque" rather than inside it, Bechir Barick, who teaches geography at Nouakchott University, said. Despite being battered by the wind and sand, Oualata has preserved relics attesting to its past glory as a city on the trans-Saharan caravan trade route and centre of Islamic learning. "We inherited this library from our ancestors, founders of the town," Mohamed Ben Baty said, turning the pages of a 300-year-old manuscript in a banco-covered building that remains cool despite the outside temperature. Like his forebears, the imam is the repository of almost 1,000 years of knowledge, descending from a long line of scholars of the Koran. 'Valuable' for researchers The family library has 223 manuscripts, the oldest of which dates to the 14th century, Ben Baty said. In a tiny, cluttered room, he half-opened a cupboard to reveal its precious content: centuries-old writings whose survival might once have seemed in doubt. "These books, at one time, were very poorly maintained and exposed to destruction," Ben Baty said, pointing to water stains on sheets slipped into plastic sleeves. Books in the past were stored in trunks "but when it rains, the water seeps in and can spoil the books," he said. Part of the roof collapsed eight years ago during the rainy season. In the 1990s, Spain helped to fund the setting up of a library in Oualata which holds more than 2,000 books that were restored and digitally copied. But lack of financing now means their continued preservation depends on the goodwill of a few enthusiasts, like Ben Baty, who does not even live in Oualata all year round. "The library needs a qualified expert to ensure its management and sustainability because it contains a wealth of valuable documentation for researchers in various fields: languages, Koranic sciences, history, astronomy," he added. Oualata has no real tourism to rely on -- it has no hotel and the nearest town is two hours on a track. It is also in an area where many countries advise against travelling due to the threat of jihadist violence. Faced with the encroaching desertK trees were planted around the town three decades ago but it was not enough, Sidiya said. Several initiatives have sought to save Oualata and the three other ancient towns, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. An annual festival takes place in one of the four to raise money for renovations and investment to develop the towns and encourage people to stay. Once the sun drops behind the Dhaar mountains and the air cools, hundreds of children venture out into the streets and Oualata comes to life.
