President of Republic Inaugurates Heritage City in Ouadane
His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, inaugurated the “Heritage City” in Ouadane today, Friday, as part of the activities of the 14th edition of the Madaen al-Turath (Heritage Cities) Festival.
Upon his arrival in the city, His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani was welcomed with an authentic heritage performance, featuring musical recitals on the “Neyfara” (flute) and the “Tabl” (drum), along with traditional folk songs and dances that reflect the value and diversity of the national cultural heritage.
His Excellency the President then toured the various sections of the Heritage City, where he received detailed briefings from the President of the Heritage Authority, Mr. Mohamed Cheikh Ould Sid’Ahmed, about the different areas of the city, which symbolizes the civilization of the “Futuwa” (brilliance) and the Mauritanian “Mahadra” (traditional school).
This city, established by the Heritage Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, is the first incubator for the largest heritage and cultural space in Ouadane. It also serves as a developmental hub for all public sectors while preserving the country’s cultural uniqueness.
The Heritage City, the first of its kind in Mauritania, spans an area of 16,700 square meters. It includes a cultural heritage village, a mosque, traditional huts (Arish), an exhibition area, a solar energy system, water storage tanks, a museum, diverse public spaces, heritage tents, a guest house, a playground, and traditional dwellings made from stone and palm fronds. Additionally, it features a café, a traditional bakery, a library, and a 110-kilowatt power generator.
The city also includes pavilions highlighting the history and authenticity of historic cities and heritage sites, such as Azougui, Tidra Island, Ouadane, Tichitt, Chinguetti, Oualata, Koumbi Saleh, Djéol, Aoudaghost, and the Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure).
The establishment of this Heritage City in Ouadane aims to revive the cultural identity of ancient cities and promote cultural tourism by creating an attractive destination for visitors, experts, and those interested in the fields of science, culture, and tourism.