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Mauritania is currently expanding its national cultural heritage strategy to encompass a broader range of traditions, moving beyond its historic Saharan cities to include the diverse cultural legacies of the Senegal River Valley. While ancient caravan cities such as Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt, and Oualata remain central to the nation’s identity and UNESCO-recognized history, officials are increasingly prioritizing the documentation of Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof traditions, as well as oral histories and local craftsmanship.
Since 2019, the government has sought to integrate cultural preservation into public policy to foster social cohesion and economic development. This shift includes a modernized legal framework, specifically the 2019 law on cultural heritage, which replaced the 2005 legislation. In June 2026, Minister of Arts and Culture Houssein ould Meddou emphasized the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, such as the T’heydinn epic and traditional marriage ceremonies, noting their role in national development.
The government’s approach increasingly relies on the Festival of Heritage Cities to connect conservation efforts with local economic growth. However, experts and officials acknowledge that significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the need for a comprehensive national digital inventory. Such a database would aim to catalog archaeological sites, manuscripts, and oral traditions that are currently at risk of being lost as older generations pass away.
The preservation of ancient manuscripts, which contain centuries of knowledge in fields ranging from theology to astronomy, remains a primary focus. Authorities are exploring digitization and professional training to ensure these documents are protected and accessible to researchers. By broadening the definition of national heritage to include the diverse histories of the southern regions alongside the northern desert sites, the government aims to create a more inclusive narrative that reflects the country’s pluralistic identity.
Article and image source: lecalame.info
