Mauritania - Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata

"Founded in the 11th and 12th centuries to serve the caravans crossing the Sahara, these trading and religious centres became focal points of Islamic culture. They have managed to preserve an urban fabric that evolved between the 12th and 16th centuries. Typically, houses with patios crowd along narrow streets around a mosque with a square minaret. They illustrate a traditional way of life centred on the nomadic culture of the people of the western Sahara." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
The Grand Mosque of Oualata, Mauritania. Oualata is one of the ancient ksours of Mauritania. Thanks to Sylwia of Poland.

Postcard 2
Chinguetti is a medieval trading center in the Sahara of Mauritania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to Patrick of Belgium.