The Lost Manuscripts of Timbuktu

Front

What was the most valuable treasure buried in the desert of Timbuktu?

Back

Ancient books

Front

In what year was the city of Timbuktu founded?

Back

1100 CE

Front

Which empire's decline led to the rise of the Songhai Empire?

Back

Mali Empire

Front

Who marked the beginning of a golden age in Timbuktu?

Back

Askia Mohammed Toure

Front

What was the official language taught in schools after the French colonial forces seized control of Timbuktu?

Back

French

Front

What did some families do to protect the ancient books of Timbuktu during the French colonial rule?

Back

Built secret libraries

Front

Who painstakingly retrieved hidden manuscripts from all over northern Mali and brought them back to Timbuktu?

Back

Abdel Kader Haidara

Front

In what year did civil war in Mali threaten the manuscripts, leading to their evacuation to nearby Bamako?

Back

2012

Front

What do the ancient books of Timbuktu represent?

Back

Pre-colonial history

Front

What is at stake in the efforts to protect the ancient books of Timbuktu?

Back

The history they contain