The center of science in Africa: Timbuctoo

Timbuctoo, situated within the borders of the Republic of Mali today, is located in the central region of Mali, at a point where the Niger River bends. The history of the city extends back to the late 11th century. Timbuctoo derives its name from an elderly woman named Buktu, who lived along the banks of the Niger River. The former name of Timbuctoo was Tumbukt. Additionally, it has been become famous with epithets such as “the Marvelous City”, “the Legendary City”, “the Jewel of the Desert,”, “the City of Cultural Light”, “the Golden City” and “the City of 333 Saints”. Becoming Africa’s center of learning, particularly from the 13th century onwards, Timbuctoo has emerged as one of West Africa's most renowned cities. Recognized as a significant capital of the Islamic world, Timbuctoo’s population consists entirely of Muslims. Timbuktu has served as a bridge between North Africa and West Africa, nurturing numerous scholars and becoming a crucial center of cultural dynamics. Through institutions like the University of Sankore, Timbuctoo has become a hub for Islam, science, and literature, producing distinguished scholars. In this context, Timbuctoo will be examined as a significant center of learning in Africa, presented to the Turkish academic community. The study will explore topics such as “Introduction”, “The Timbuctoo in brif”, “The Sankore Madrasah” and “The Scholars of Timbuctoo”. In the conclusion part, the necessary analyzes will be made and the study will be completed by making recommendations.