The city of Timbuktu has welcomed back tens of thousands of ancient manuscripts after a 13-year absence. The texts were smuggled to the capital city of Bamako for safekeeping when al-Qaeda fighters took control of Timbuktu in 2012. Following extensive digitization, most of the manuscripts have been returned to Timbuktu, following a request from local leaders and civil society.
The return of the manuscripts reflects the city’s pride in cultural preservation, as well as concerns about the potentially damaging humidity in Bamako. Mali’s government has portrayed the move as a victory, highlighting the significance of the manuscripts as a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage. The Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Islamic Studies and Research, where the manuscripts are housed, contains some 28,000 texts, some of which date back to the 13th century.
These manuscripts are a priceless source of information, containing knowledge that exists nowhere else. For local students, such as 24-year-old Baylaly Mohamane, the manuscripts offer a unique window into traditional practices and are a valuable resource for learning. Mohamane, who aspires to become a manuscript specialist, notes that the texts contain valuable information on medicines and their uses, highlighting their importance for the local community.
Beyond the institute, many manuscripts remain in family libraries across Timbuktu, preserved in traditional wooden chests. However, some families struggle financially, raising concerns about the risk of private sales. Sane Chirfi Alpha, a founding member of the local nonprofit SAVAMA-DCI, notes that families holding manuscripts often receive no support, making them vulnerable to selling these valuable texts.
The safeguarding of the manuscripts remains an ongoing challenge, with staffers at the Ahmed Baba Institute planning to install surveillance cameras to enhance security. Despite these challenges, the return of the manuscripts to Timbuktu is a significant step forward in preserving the city’s cultural heritage. As digitization, conservation, and training efforts continue, caretakers prioritize securing this written record of West African history, ensuring it remains accessible for future generations.
The return of the manuscripts comes at a time when al-Qaeda remains a threat in the region. Affiliated fighters from the JNIM group attacked Timbuktu as recently as June, and have imposed a fuel blockade on landlocked Mali, threatening the stability of the military regime. Despite these challenges, the people of Timbuktu remain determined to preserve their cultural heritage, recognizing the significance of the manuscripts as a vital part of their identity and history.