Timbuktu
Location: Timbuktu, Mali
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: Timbuktu is a historic city located in Mali, West Africa, and is known for its rich cultural and intellectual history. It is situated on the southern edge of the Sahara desert, at the gateway to the Niger River. The city played a key role in the trans-Saharan trade network and was a center for Islamic scholarship and education. The Timbuktu site includes several important monuments, including the Sankore Mosque, the Djinguereber Mosque, and the Sidi Yahia Mosque, as well as a number of historic homes and libraries.
Prominent Features: The Timbuktu site includes several important monuments and landmarks, including:
Sankore Mosque: This mosque, also known as the University of Sankore, was founded in the 14th century and became a center for Islamic scholarship and education. It is considered to be one of the oldest universities in the world and played a key role in the spread of Islam throughout West Africa.
Djinguereber Mosque: This mosque, founded in the 14th century, is one of the most important landmarks in Timbuktu. It is considered to be one of the three great mosques of West Africa and is a prime example of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.
Sidi Yahia Mosque: This mosque, founded in the 15th century, is known for its distinctive pyramid-shaped minaret and is another important example of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.
Historic Homes and Libraries: Timbuktu also has a number of historic homes and libraries that date back to the city's golden age. These structures are notable for their distinctive adobe architecture and contain thousands of ancient manuscripts on subjects ranging from science and medicine to religion and philosophy.
History: Timbuktu was founded in the 12th century and quickly became a center for trade and scholarship. It played a key role in the trans-Saharan trade network and was a hub for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between North and West Africa. The city was also a center for Islamic scholarship and education and became a destination for scholars from across the Islamic world. Timbuktu's golden age lasted from the 14th to the 16th centuries, during which time it was one of the wealthiest and most important cities in Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the historic sites and monuments of Timbuktu and learn about the city's rich cultural and intellectual history. There are also opportunities for camel rides and desert safaris in the surrounding Sahara desert.
Fun Fact: Timbuktu was once considered to be one of the most remote and mysterious cities in the world, and its name became synonymous with a far-off and exotic location.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee of 5,000 CFA francs (approximately 9 USD) per person to visit the historic sites of Timbuktu.
How to Reach It: By Air: Timbuktu is served by a small airport with regular flights from Bamako, Mali's capital city. By Road: Timbuktu can also be reached by road from other cities in Mali, although the roads can be difficult to navigate.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Timbuktu, ranging from basic accommodations to more luxurious options
Next Stop: Tomb of Askia
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: Timbuktu is a historic city located in Mali, West Africa, and is known for its rich cultural and intellectual history. It is situated on the southern edge of the Sahara desert, at the gateway to the Niger River. The city played a key role in the trans-Saharan trade network and was a center for Islamic scholarship and education. The Timbuktu site includes several important monuments, including the Sankore Mosque, the Djinguereber Mosque, and the Sidi Yahia Mosque, as well as a number of historic homes and libraries.
Prominent Features: The Timbuktu site includes several important monuments and landmarks, including:
Sankore Mosque: This mosque, also known as the University of Sankore, was founded in the 14th century and became a center for Islamic scholarship and education. It is considered to be one of the oldest universities in the world and played a key role in the spread of Islam throughout West Africa.
Djinguereber Mosque: This mosque, founded in the 14th century, is one of the most important landmarks in Timbuktu. It is considered to be one of the three great mosques of West Africa and is a prime example of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.
Sidi Yahia Mosque: This mosque, founded in the 15th century, is known for its distinctive pyramid-shaped minaret and is another important example of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.
Historic Homes and Libraries: Timbuktu also has a number of historic homes and libraries that date back to the city's golden age. These structures are notable for their distinctive adobe architecture and contain thousands of ancient manuscripts on subjects ranging from science and medicine to religion and philosophy.
History: Timbuktu was founded in the 12th century and quickly became a center for trade and scholarship. It played a key role in the trans-Saharan trade network and was a hub for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between North and West Africa. The city was also a center for Islamic scholarship and education and became a destination for scholars from across the Islamic world. Timbuktu's golden age lasted from the 14th to the 16th centuries, during which time it was one of the wealthiest and most important cities in Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the historic sites and monuments of Timbuktu and learn about the city's rich cultural and intellectual history. There are also opportunities for camel rides and desert safaris in the surrounding Sahara desert.
Fun Fact: Timbuktu was once considered to be one of the most remote and mysterious cities in the world, and its name became synonymous with a far-off and exotic location.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee of 5,000 CFA francs (approximately 9 USD) per person to visit the historic sites of Timbuktu.
How to Reach It: By Air: Timbuktu is served by a small airport with regular flights from Bamako, Mali's capital city. By Road: Timbuktu can also be reached by road from other cities in Mali, although the roads can be difficult to navigate.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Timbuktu, ranging from basic accommodations to more luxurious options
Next Stop: Tomb of Askia