Chad - The ruins of Ouara

Former capital of the kingdom of Ouaddaï, Ouara is located about 60 km northwest of the current capital Abéché. The city was abandoned by its rulers in the 19th century because of the drought. From this city, only the ruins of the palace of Sultan Abdel-Kerim Ibn Djame remain. This palace was built in bricks baked in the 16th century by an Egyptian architect. It is surrounded by a wall enclosure that covers about 325 m in diameter, still standing despite some deterioration due to bad weather. The palace has several buildings including: the Sultan's residence comprising a ground floor and a floor; a tall watchtower; a council room and hearings, an important building 8m high characterized by walls 1m thick; the lodging of princely wives and the lodging of concubines. A mosque rises outside the large enclosure. It is a 25m by 27m brick building also.