“Abu Ramla” László Almásy's Short Biography
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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