What is taghaza?

Taghaza was an ancient settlement located in present-day Mali, near the border with Mauritania. It was an important center for salt mining and trade in the Sahara desert during the medieval period. The town was known for its vast salt deposits, which were mined from the surrounding salt pans and traded throughout West Africa.

Taghaza was a key trading hub along the trans-Saharan trade routes, with caravans carrying salt to other parts of the region in exchange for gold, ivory, and other goods. The town was inhabited by the Tuareg people, who were skilled desert nomads and traders.

The decline of Taghaza began in the 16th century with the shift of trans-Saharan trade routes to other areas and the depletion of the salt mines. The town was eventually abandoned, and today only ruins remain of what was once a thriving desert settlement.

Despite its remote location and harsh desert environment, Taghaza played a significant role in the economic and cultural life of medieval West Africa. It is now recognized as an important archaeological site and a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people who lived there.