In this episode, we delve into the rich and often overlooked history of Timbuktu, a once-thriving centre of learning in the Mali Empire. At its peak, the empire spanned modern-day Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, boasting around 400 cities. We explore the influence of Musa, a renowned ruler who incorporated Gao and Timbuktu into the empire in the 14th century. Timbuktu, founded as a bustling trade hub in the 12th century, became a renowned centre of Islamic learning under Musa's patronage.
Despite its historical significance, Timbuktu's history remains lesser-known among Africans. We examine the reasons behind this, including the displacement and distortion of indigenous history. The episode raises questions about the impact of undocumented African history and the lack of representation in the written narratives, often in foreign languages. We explore how this affects the perception of Africa and discuss potential actions to rectify these gaps.
The show highlights the contributions of important historical figures such as Ibn Khaldun, Ibn Battuta, and Leo Africanus, whose accounts shed light on Timbuktu's past. We also uncover the efforts of individuals like Abdel Haidara, a courageous librarian who smuggled and preserved thousands of ancient manuscripts, some dating back to the 11th century. These manuscripts cover diverse subjects such as astronomy, law, governance, medicine, and mathematics, challenging the prevailing notion that Africa lacked civilisations before colonisation.
Host:
Fungai Mutsiwa
Instagram: @ blackfor30
Co-host:
Sean Solole
BlackFor30 is a place for your voice to be heard. DM us your thoughts and questions @blackfor30 or via email at admin@blackfor30.com.
BlackFor30 is a place for your voice to be heard. DM us your thoughts and questions @blackfor30 or via email at admin@blackfor30.com.
In this episode, we delve into the rich and often overlooked history of Timbuktu, a once-thriving centre of learning in the Mali Empire. At its peak, the empire spanned modern-day Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, boasting around 400 cities. We explore the influence of Musa, a renowned ruler who incorporated Gao and Timbuktu into the empire in the 14th century. Timbuktu, founded as a bustling trade hub in the 12th century, became a renowned centre of Islamic learning under Musa's patronage.
Despite its historical significance, Timbuktu's history remains lesser-known among Africans. We examine the reasons behind this, including the displacement and distortion of indigenous history. The episode raises questions about the impact of undocumented African history and the lack of representation in the written narratives, often in foreign languages. We explore how this affects the perception of Africa and discuss potential actions to rectify these gaps.
The show highlights the contributions of important historical figures such as Ibn Khaldun, Ibn Battuta, and Leo Africanus, whose accounts shed light on Timbuktu's past. We also uncover the efforts of individuals like Abdel Haidara, a courageous librarian who smuggled and preserved thousands of ancient manuscripts, some dating back to the 11th century. These manuscripts cover diverse subjects such as astronomy, law, governance, medicine, and mathematics, challenging the prevailing notion that Africa lacked civilisations before colonisation.
Host:
Fungai Mutsiwa
Instagram: @ blackfor30
Co-host:
Sean Solole
BlackFor30 is a place for your voice to be heard. DM us your thoughts and questions @blackfor30 or via email at admin@blackfor30.com.
BlackFor30 is a place for your voice to be heard. DM us your thoughts and questions @blackfor30 or via email at admin@blackfor30.com.