Timbuktu | Mali Empire, 14th & 15th Centuries
Another important centre for the Islamic world found much further south on the African continent was the Mali Empire. They came to power during the 13th century and, thanks to the vast deposits of gold within their kingdom, would become a centre for trade and one of the wealthiest empires on earth.
Left: Mudbrick mosque in Timbuktu & Right: Close up of the architecture in Timbuktu
One of Mali’s most famous leaders Mansa Musa was a devout Muslim and after a pilgrimage to Mecca would take control of Timbuktu where, in 1327, he built one of the three mosques now collectively known as the University of Timbuktu. The three mosques exhibit a unique architectural style using mud and timber and once held up to 25,000 students who worked on important Islamic texts.
Excuse me! Are you on Pinterest?! Here are a couple of pins!
Gallery
This post is part of an expanded series taken from 37 Wonders of the World in Chronological Order. You can click the link to read more or navigate between individual photo posts beneath the gallery.
