Historical Monuments of the University

These are the 700 years old plus buildings which the University of Timbuktu. In the early 1980's these buildings were classified by UNESCO as ancient and historical mud made architectural monuments. They have been protected and preserved by concerned Africans of past generations so that this indisputable African intellectual and architectural legacy can be appreciated and enjoyed... These monuments represent a represent a living proof that African people are nations builders and today it is our responsibility to maintain them and preserve for the future generations to come. The monuments are facing major problems: they need remodeling and the roofs and ceilings are rotting. With every rainy season, part of these famous treasures melt away.

We at Timbuktu Foundation visited these different sites or monuments which housed the University of Timbuktu. The condition of these sacred monuments is heart breaking. If we do not act today to restore and preserve these unparalleled buildings, we will forever lose the contribution of our righteous ancestors to the civilization of mankind. Ever year, these buildings are sinking under the advancing sands of the Sahara desert. The people of Timbuktu used to give part of their wealth and time to maintain these buildings. Today,however, because of the acute poverty in Timbuktu, these great monuments are decaying and are in danger of falling down. As the actual Imam of Jingare Ber puts it " these monuments are built with mud not concrete and it is by the mercy of Allah that we are still benefiting from them. It will be a great historic shame if we loose them after we inherited them in a good condition and it is our responsibility to maintain them and preserve them for the coming generations. We cannot bear the pain of telling our brothers and visitors from America that the University of Timbuktu used to be in the rubbles over there".

We at TIMBUKTU EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ask you to donate part of your wealth and time to help save and restore the monuments of the University of Timbuktu. We thank you for your support and contribution in this important preservation and continuance of history.

Sankore University built
around 9th century

Jingaray Ber University Campus