MCQ Detailed View

The desert city of Timbuktu lies in Mali, West Africa. Situated near the Niger River, Timbuktu became one of the most important cultural and intellectual centers of Africa during the 14th to 16th centuries. It played a key role in the trans-Saharan trade routes, connecting West Africa with North Africa and the Middle East.

Timbuktu gained fame for its Islamic scholarship and historic manuscripts, housed in ancient libraries and mosques. The city was also a hub for the trade of gold, salt, ivory, and other goods. Scholars from across Africa and beyond traveled here, making it a beacon of knowledge, culture, and spirituality in the medieval world.

Key Facts about Timbuktu:

• Country: Mali


• Location: Near the Niger River, on the edge of the Sahara Desert


• Founded: Around the 12th century


• Famous For: Islamic scholarship, historic manuscripts, trans-Saharan trade


• Main Trade: Gold, salt, ivory, and books


• UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site since 1988


• Important Monuments: Sankore Mosque, Djinguereber Mosque, Sidi Yahya Mosque

Timbuktu remains a symbol of Africa’s rich history of learning and trade, reflecting its unique role as a cultural and economic bridge between different civilizations.