A word “Timbuktu” is used to represent any faraway place, but it’s also a name of an actual city in Mali, with ancient history. If your road ever brings you to this mythical place, here’s a couple of attractions that deserve your attention.
Djinguereber Mosque
This holy structure has been around for almost seven centuries, and it was built entirely out of mud, straw, and wood. That didn’t stop it from withstanding a series of wars, conflicts, and political upsets, but its fragile structure is constantly under the threat of climate change and in need of restoration.
Sidi Yahya Mosque
Together with Djinguereber Mosque and Sankore Madrasah, this mosque composes what is known as the University of Timbuktu. According to the legends, its main gate is supposed to be shut until the end of the world.
Ahmed Baba Institute
Named after the 17th-century Timbuktu scholar Ahmad Baba al Massufi, this institution houses about 18,000 of the ancient Timbuktu manuscripts. They chronicle history of West Africa during the Middle Ages, and the entire collection has been estimated at around 700,000 manuscripts.