|
|
|
|
|
| Home / Timbuktu |
|
Timbuktu
Fast Facts
Location:On the northern bank of River Niger in Central Mali
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Preferred timings: Daytime
How to reach: Fly to Timbuktu from Mopti or Bamako, and then travel by taxi, or
on Camelbacks; alternatively travel by boat from Mopti to Timbuktu
Nearest Airport: Timbuktu
Time required for sightseeing: 2 days; several days if planning to visit salt fields
Timbuktu – a land of myths and legends, the timeless city and the city that transcends human comprehension. So entrenched is the mythical status of Timbuktu in common parlance that it is very difficult to believe that it was an actual city with proper history, real territory and actual inhabitants. Apart from being a great enter for trade and commerce, Timbuktu was the city where the first University library in Africa was established. The tale of Timbuktu's transition from a commercial center to an intellectual oasis is a fascinating one.
Timbuktu, also written as Tombouctou, brings in memories of the glorious past of sub-Saharan Africa. For four hundred years Timbuktu in the West African country of Mali was the center of trade between Africa and Arabia. Located on the southern fringes of Sahara Desert and about 8 miles north of River Niger, Timbuktu in Mali was not only a commercial epicenter but also a center of learning, religion and culture. Established in about 1100 AD it rose into prominence by the 14th century. Timbuktu in Africa had become so economically and culturally prosperous that it was comparable to ancient Rome, Jerusalem, and Athens.
All trans-Saharan trade routes being through Timbuktu, this medieval city had become the center of all salt, gold and slave trades. Salt brought from the Sahara desert regions in North Africa were traded with gold and slaves brought along River Niger from areas in South Africa. In addition to attracting traders from all of Africa and even Arabian countries, Timbuktu also drew in the clergy, scholars and academicians. By the middle of the 14th century this city of Mali Empire reached its zenith in prosperity. Under the Songhay Empire it grew into an important learning center inviting scholars from far and near. Mosques, libraries, universities, and schools were established which attracted scholars from as far as Arabia.
The grandeur of Timbuktu prompted the Moroccans to invade this city towards the end of the 16th century. The Songhay army unable to withstand the assault of the Moroccans was ultimately defeated. Thereafter, Timbuktu or the Songhay Empire could never recover and gradually died down. Trade commenced along water routes set up by Portuguese traders along African coast. Water routes being less perilous than across deserts, the inland routes perished.
Timbuktu now is a deserted city with its vegetation destroyed by dry warm winds blowing from the Sahara. The desertification of Timbuktu has damaged many of the historical buildings. UNESCO in its effort to protect this historic center of learning and commerce declared Timbuktu a World Heritage Site in Danger in 1990. Visit Sidi Yahia, Sankore, and Djingareyber mosques belonging to the 15th and 16th centuries. This historic Islamic city is the home of the renowned Koranic Sankore University. Make time to visit Homburi, the biggest camel market in Mali. Go to Grand Marché, a two storey market not just for buying articles but also for a breathtaking sight of Timbuktu city extending to the desert limits. Negotiate with the local Tuaregs (nomadic tribe in Mali) for a trip to the salt fields across deserts on camel backs. However this may take several days. A 'sunset tour' over sand dunes is equally fascinating.
Visit Timbuktu for a magical experience in once prosperous city, a desert city where not too many centuries ago gold was traded. Have a lifetime experience of visiting salt fields after traveling several days on camelbacks. View a city which a few centuries ago was a center of economic and cultural prosperity and was almost on the verge of desertification but for the efforts of UNESCO.
Related Links :
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q-TZUs1hTQ: To view the remains of the flourishing medieval town of Timbuktu and comprehensive information on its rich past, watch this video!
|
|
