Once a thriving metropolis of 200,000, Chinguetti now has only a few thousand residents left.
Later, it became a gathering place for pilgrims on their way to Mecca.
What was once just a stopover point quickly became a destination in its own right.
Now only five survive.
These private libraries are watched over by the same families whove been passing down their literary treasures for generations.
Lying in open shelves in the harsh desert climate, these precious artifacts are slowly crumbling away to dust.
Its an honor to keep them.
“Would you part with your hand or your foot?
These librarians, however, will eagerly show their collection to any tourist curious enough to see them.
Photo credit:Christophe Andre/Flickr
An ancient Quran.
Photo credit:Ammar Hassan/Flickr
Photo credit:Ammar Hassan/Flickr
A thousand year old Quran.
Photo credit:Paul Williams
Sources:The Guardian/The Daily Beast/Wikipedia
