If you visit Nouakchott, Mauritania’s central market today you will be surprised at the dominance of the color blue here. Everyone from children, men and women are all clothed in blue which is said to offer protection from the scorching sun. Here you will also meet nomadic Tuareg people better known as the blue men of the Sahara clothed in blue daraa.
One unique thing about this group of people is that they never change their clothing design despite the changes taking place in the fashion world. Blue men of the Sahara are famous for wearing the Saharan daraa, a long and loose gown and the tagelmusts which they use as a turban. These clothes help protect these people from the desert’s scorching son.
The daraa is said to be very light allowing for efficient airflow and conservation of water in the body. Origin of daraa can be traced back to the 7th and 8th centuries during the times of the trans-Saharan trade between Sub-Saharan and North Africa.