“Abu Ramla”: László Almásy's Short Biography

Abstract

László Ede Almásy, to whom the Bedouins deservedly bestowed the name “Abu Ramla” which means “Father of Sand”, was one of the most famous Hungarian explorers of Africa and the Sahara. Moreover, he was a professional car racer and pilot. Throughout his expeditions he gained world fame. Many books and several films were posthumously made about his adventurous life. Almásy mapped countless previously unknown parts of the desert and rediscovered the Oasis of Zerzura, which was known from the 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 having financial problems and participating in both World Wars. Due to his service in Africa Korps, prosecution was initiated against him by the People’s Court. The purpose of my study is to briefly represent László Almásy’s exciting biography by putting special emphasis on the years he spent in Africa.