“Abu Ramla” László Almásy's Short Biography

Abstract

László Ede Almásy, to whom the Bedouins deservedly bestowed the name “Abu Ramla” meaning “Father of Sand”, was one of the most famous Hungarian explorers of Africa and the Sahara. Beyond that, he was a professional car racer and pilot. Throughout his expeditions he gained world fame. Many books and several films have been devoted posthumously to his adventurous life. Almásy mapped countless previously unknown parts of the desert and rediscovered the Oasis of Zerzura, known from legends. Furthermore, at the rock spring of Ain Dua in the Uweinat Mountains, he found prehistoric cave paintings whose significance rivals the paintings of the Altamira and Minateda caves. Despite his success, he faced many difficulties during his life such as financial problems and participation in two World Wars. Due to his service in Deutsches Afrikakorps (German Africa Corps), proceedings were brought against him by the People’s Court. The aim of this study is to give a brief overview of László Almásy’s fascinating biography, focusing on the years he spent in Africa