Some features of salt-architecture in the medieval Sudanic cities: Taghaza in Mali as a model

The Salt played a vital role in the life of west African societies, including the land of Sudan, from the dawn of their early history. In some cases, it was even more valuable than gold because of the lack of salt in most Sudanic kingdoms, such as Ghana, Mali & Songhai. The most famous of these Salinas was known as Taghaza, in addition to Ulil & Tatantatal, etc. They were related to what is called salt-architecture. We took Taghaza as an example of this rare architecture. West Africans used salt to preserve food, for healing and even for building houses, mosques and city walls. As the city of Taghaza, currently located in Mali, is in the most famous salt region, it is considered to be the best model of a salty city in west Africa. Salt contributed to the Sahara trade, known as the trade of salt and gold. Salt was indispensable for most inhabitants of West Africa. They lived near e salt quarries and used it mainly to build their houses and any other constructions they need.

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