Timbuktu, Mali

Timbuktu is a city in the West African state Mali which has about 32000 inhabitants. The city is home to Sankore University which is very prestigious Koran University. Timbuktu was also cultural and spiritual centre from where Islam was expanding across the Africa in 15th and 16th century. To the Golden age of the Timbuktu, the best recalling have three mosques Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahya. These great mosques are continuously restored, but still there is a risk that they disappear in the desert. Since 1988, Timbuktu is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Timbuktu 480x360

Sankore Mosque

Timbuktu is populated by Songhay, Tuareg, Fulani, and Mandé people and it is about 15 km north from the Niger River. It is also crossroad of the Trans-Saharan trade route across the Sahara to Araouane. Timbuktu was, and still is, very important historical storage place for rock-salt which came from Taghaza, and today from Taoudenni.

The geographic position of Timbuktu made this city as a natural meeting place of nearby West African people and nomadic Berber and Arab peoples from the north. Long history of a Timbuktu as a trade spot which connected West Africa with Arab, Berber and Jewish traders from North Africa, and in that way indirectly with European traders, gave this city a mythic status.

The long-lasting Timbuktu’s contribution to Islamic and world civilization is knowledge. It is assumed that in Timbuktu was founded one of the first Universities in the world. Since 14th century, important books were written and copied in Timbuktu, which was the main reason why this city becomes important centre of written tradition in Africa.

Use the reputable travel agents and your Bargain Holiday will offer good value for your pound. Take the kids along or go on a romantic break, as long as you get some sun on your skin.

Tags: ,


Janika is 24 years old student of Italian language and literature, so as Serbian language and literature at Faculty of Philology in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, Bosnia. She is a long time writer for Across the Planet. Her favorite topics are archaeological sites and nature reserves. She like animals especially cats and her favorite hobbies are aerobic and photography.

Leave a Reply

© 2011 Destinations Point. All rights reserved.