City of Tikmatin The secretary-general of the Islamic Scholars Association in Mauritania, Sheikh Hamad Ould al-Tah, has said the southern city of Tikmatin is a historic city due to its rich past. The leader made the statement at an international conference of Islamic thinking in Nouakchott organised  by “Al alBayt" in collaboration with the African Centre for Sufism Studies and Research, in preparation for the International Islamic Thought conference in Tikmatin under the theme "Mysticism and Islamic laws: a reading in the Arab Spring".  The supervisor of the symposium, Sheikh Ahmadou Pemp Ould Siar, said it aimed to "restore warmth to the relationship between the river and the desert, as bonds between African residents of the West and the inhabitants of the Arabs desert are mixed,” adding that they have given the finest examples of coexistence and brotherhood, and that Islam had united them. He also stressed that the symposium will discuss the jurisprudence of the Sultan’s provisions, as books written by scholars in this field coped with their  periods but it has now become necessary to reform teachings.  He pointed out: "The symposium will also tackle transformations taking place in West Africa, especially a new culture under the name of jihad (Islamic fighting).” He explained that the event encouraged "giving priority to the role of religion as it is the first component of the unity of these peoples, and the reason behind the dissemination of tolerant Islam in the African continent." The Mauritanian director of culture, Adnan Ould Berwik, praised the "outstanding cultural and cognitive role" played by the Al Bayt organisation through its religious teachings, and the consolidation of the concepts of brotherhood among people, saying the ministry supported the historic effort to enlighten the cultural and scientific arena. In turn, Senegalese representative Mohammed al-Bashir said : "The conference is a good opportunity for scientists and thinkers to meet each year and discuss the role of religious and scientific schools...this must promote unity and solidarity among Muslims," ?? adding that the participants shall attend several presentations related to religious and literary thought, in addition to other topics. Tikmatin in Mauritania is located about 58km north of Rosso city, situated on the Senegal river. Its establishment dates back 900 years, according to historians. Some say Tikmatin was set up the same year as the Moroccan city Marrakech, in 432 Hijri years (according to the Islamic calendar). It has embodied a multi-ethnic city and has reflected that trade was essential to the growth of a civilisation, thus encouraging the birth of various Sufi sects. It is known  that Tikmatin witnessed the beginnings of the mystic tide, when Sheikh Abdul Karim al-Maghili passed by it in 1532 AD.