Mali - Timbuktu - The Ponds (Mares)

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Mali - Timbuktu - The Ponds (Mares)

Mali - Timbuktu - The Ponds (Mares) - Large excavations dug out of the sand to draw up water from the depths. Date: circa 1907

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Media ID 11562878

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Excavations Mali Malian Mares Pond Ponds Supply Supplying Timbuctoo Timbuktu Timbuktoo

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph takes us back in time to the ancient city of Timbuktu, Mali, circa 1907. Nestled in the heart of the Sahara Desert, Timbuktu was once a thriving center of learning and commerce, renowned for its universities and markets. In this image, we witness the essential aspect of life in this arid region: the intricate system of 'mares' or large excavations, dug out of the sand to draw up water from the depths. The ponds, which can be seen in various stages of completion, were a vital source of water for the inhabitants of Timbuktu and its surrounding areas. During the rainy season, the water table rose, allowing the people to dig these ponds to collect and store water for the long, dry months ahead. The water was used not only for drinking and irrigation but also for religious purposes, as Timbuktu was an important center of Islamic scholarship. The excavations were a communal effort, with the entire community coming together to dig and maintain the ponds. This collaborative spirit was a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people of Timbuktu, who adapted to the harsh desert conditions and created a thriving civilization. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Timbuktu, a place that continues to captivate the imagination of travelers and scholars alike. The ponds, with their intricate patterns and the reflections of the clear blue sky, serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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