Timbuktu

When you say Timbuktu, what comes to mind is a place that is in the far reaches of the world. Some even think that Timbuktu is somewhat of a legend and not an actual, historical place. True enough, it has remained a mystery to the western world until the early 1800s.

Timbuktu, if you still do not know, is in Mali in Western Africa. It is located at the edge of the Sahara Desert, right by the Niger River. Its unique geographical location has made it an ideal point in the trade routes then – it is where the camel meets the canoe. Thus, Timbuktu served as an important hub that linked the trade routes from North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa during the thirteenth century. The Tuareg Imashagan established Timbuktu during the 11th century. The name “Timbuktu” means “the lady with the big naval”.

It served the markets of Mecca, Athens, Rome and Jerusalem. At Timbuktu, traders from the Mediterranean bartered salt and other goods for gold. Other “merchandise” included books and slaves. The merchants were mainly people from Arabic and Tuareg tribes.

During that time, Timbuktu was a place of wealth and grandeur, particularly during the Songhay and Mali Empires. It was not just a place full of merchants but of people of philosophical, religious and academic learning.

Timbuktu also became an important Islamic center for learning and religion. It had close to 200 Quranic schools, three universities (Sidi Yahya University, Sankore University and Jingaray Ber University) and libraries and universities. Jingarey Ber (which means the Friday Prayers Mosque) was commissioned by Mali Emperor Mansa Mussa for 200 kilograms of gold. It was designed and built by Abu Es Haq Es Saheli, an Egyptian architect. These attracted people from other areas of the world. Timbuktu was also an important center for the writing and “publishing” of books. Mansa Mussa also had a royal palace and other mosques built, but unfortunately, most were destroyed.

However, it fell into decline as a result of new trade routes and invasions. Its proximity to the Sahara Desert has also posed a threat because of the desert sands. Today, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that is declared in danger because of the ravages of the sands.

Now, Timbuktu’s attractions are composed of the Djinareiber Mosque (which is another world heritage site), the Sankore Mosque (which has an impressive minaret and provides an excellent example of the architecture prevailing during Timbuktu’s glory days) as well as some “modern” houses of Western explorers. Some of the first Western visitors built houses in Timbuktu, most of which have been largely preserved. Heinrich Barth’s house includes a museum which contains some interesting photographs about the occupants and their lives.

You should also stop by the Grand Marche, which offers a variety of items. A great buy would be some Tuareg knives or sabers, as well as local handicrafts – earrings, necklaces and knives. Remember to haggle as this is part of your shopping experience.

Another thing you should also try is to take a “sunset tour”. This involves camel rides around Tuareg camps. If you are up to a 40 day trip, you can even make a go of the salt fields.