Desert Landscapes
What is an erg?
This type of landscape is a vast sea of shifting sand dunes.
What is Atar?
This city is the regional capital of Adrar and a bustling gateway to the desert.
What is mint tea?
This sweet, ceremonial drink is the cornerstone of Mauritanian hospitality.
What are Griots (or Iggawen)?
The hereditary class of professional musicians and poets who are keepers of history.
What is the Adrar Plateau?
The name of the vast, rocky plateau that gives the Adrar region its name.
What is Ouadane?
This ancient caravan town, now in ruins, was a crucial stop for trans-Saharan trade and is a UNESCO site.
What is Zrig?
The nutritious staple drink made from fresh camel or goat milk.
What is the Tidinit?
This traditional 4-stringed lute is played by male musicians.
What is the Terjit Oasis?
This lush haven in Adrar is fed by hot and cold springs and is famous for its dense
What is Chinguetti?
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this holy city in Adrar is famous for its ancient libraries.
What is Leksore?
This popular Adrar dish consists of thin millet pancakes served with a savory lamb and vegetable stew.
What is the Ardin?
This kora-like harp with 10-14 strings is played exclusively by female musicians.
What is the Richat Structure?
Visible from space, this massive, 40km-wide geological dome in Adrar is known as the 'Eye of the Sahara'.
What is Zouérat?
The main city in Tiris Zemmour, it was built around the region's main industry
What is Maru we-llham?
The national dish, consisting of rice and meat (often lamb or goat).
What is a Banda?
Local music groups that blend traditional melodies with modern energy in cities like Atar are known as this.
What is Algeria?
Tiris Zemmour's landscape borders Western Sahara and this country.
What is the trans-Saharan trade?
The cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane were vital stops for this historic trade
What is Méchoui?
This celebratory dish consists of slow-roasted lamb.
What is the T'bol?
This large kettle drum provides the essential rhythm for ceremonies.