Timbuktu map

Why is timbuktu a saying

It is the capital of the Tombouctou Region , one of the eight administrative regions of Mali , having a population of 32, in the census. Archaeological evidence suggests prehistoric settlements in the region, predating the city's Islamic scholarly and trade prominence in the medieval period. Timbuktu began as a seasonal settlement and became permanent early in the 12th century.

After a shift in trading routes, particularly after the visit by Mansa Musa around , Timbuktu flourished, due to its strategic location, from the trade in salt, gold, and ivory. It gradually expanded as an important Islamic city on the Saharan trade route and attracted many scholars and traders before it became part of the Mali Empire early in the 14th century.

In the first half of the 15th century, the Tuareg people took control for a short period, until the expanding Songhai Empire absorbed it in A Moroccan army defeated the Songhai in and made Timbuktu their capital.

Timbuktu population

The invaders established a new ruling class, the Arma , who after became virtually independent of Morocco. In its golden age, the town's Islamic scholars and extensive trade network supported an important book trade. Notable historic writers, such as Shabeni and Leo Africanus , wrote about the city. These stories fuelled speculation in Europe, where the city's reputation shifted from being rich to mysterious.

The city's golden age as a major learning and cultural centre of the Mali Empire was followed by a long period of decline. Different tribes governed until the French took over Mali in , in a regime that lasted until the country became the Republic of Mali in In recent history, Timbuktu faced threats from extremist groups leading to the destruction of cultural sites; efforts by local and international communities have aimed to preserve its heritage.

The city's population has declined as a result of the recent issues.