Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Erland journeys deep into the heart of the Sahara’s Great Sand Sea to uncover the mystery of Zerzura.

In his third series for The Essay, composer Erland Cooper turns his attention once again to the mythical world. This time, he embarks on five imaginary journeys to cities. Accompanying him are writers, academics and storytellers who know all about these legendary locations. Each episode is scored by Erland's own music.

In this episode, Erland journeys deep into the heart of the Sahara’s Great Sand Sea - one of the most inhospitable landscapes on Earth - to uncover the mystery of Zerzura, a legendary desert oasis said to be filled with enchanted treasure. But as explorer and writer Robert Twigger explains, the search for this "lost" city has always been about more than just literal gold.

Producer: Victoria Ferran
Exec producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Release date:

14 minutes

Broadcast

  • Tue 24 Mar 202621:45

Death in Trieste

Death in Trieste

A 1760s murder still informs ideas about aesthetics, a certain sort of sex, and death.

Watch: My Deaf World

Watch: My Deaf World

Five compelling experiences of what it is like to be deaf in 21st-century Britain.

The Book that Changed Me

The Book that Changed Me

Five figures from the arts and science introduce books that changed their lives and work.

Podcast