Timbuktu and Mansa Musa

Located at the point where the Niger River flows into the edge of the desert, the city of Timbuktu became a celebrated center for Islamic learning and for schools and education in general. Timbuktu’s strong economy drew the attention of the Mali king Mansa Musa. As a Muslim, he was impressed by Timbuktu’s Islamic legacy. On his return from his hajj, he brought back an Egyptian architect to build magnificent mosques.