The Chenaguetta of Mauritania: Oasis in Peril

In the days of trans-Saharan trade, it was crossed by a caravan route and became a wealthy city. It also attracted pilgrims from the western Sahara, who gathered here before setting off for Mecca. Its prestige was both economic and spiritual. Chinguetti was known as the capital of the “Land of the Moors“... In Chinguetti today, some real treasures are at risk. 3,000 ancient manuscripts written by 18th-century Arab scholars have been abandoned to sand and drought. “Oasis en péril“ is the story of Dah, a young Mauritanian who fights enthusiastically to build a future for his town, while presenting the traces of its glorious past. In 10 or 20 years’ time, after 7 centuries of crossing the sea to reach us, Chinguetti risks becoming nothing more than a ghost town. It may not be too late to save it. Directors: Arnaud LABARONNE & Alain BOURRILLON