the foundation of all teachings, arguments that could not be backed by the Qur'an were inadmissible in discussions and debates. Madrasas differed in curriculum from traditional Qur’anic schools in that they focused primarily on Arabic grammar to understand holy texts and Islamic scholarship. However, Sankoré Madrasa later expanded to teaching geometry, astronomy, mathematics, and history, drawing from its diverse library containing hundreds of thousands of manuscripts. At the height of Islamic education around the 16th century, Sankoré Madrasa educated between 15,000 and 25,000 students in 180 schools, as well as became a center for the crafting and trading of manuscripts. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Sankoré Madrasa enrolled large numbers of students and continued to expand its curriculum and influence. The curriculum of Sankoré and other masjids in the area had four levels of schooling or "degrees". When graduating from each level, students would receive a turban symbolizing their level. Degree of Studies The first or primary degree (Qur'anic school) required a mastery of Arabic and certain African languages and writing along with complete memorization of the Qur'an. Students were also introduced to basic sciences at this level. The secondary degree (general studies) degree focused on full immersion in the basic sciences. Students learned grammar, mathematics, geography, history, physics, astronomy, chemistry alongside more advanced learning of the Qur'an. At this level, they learned the hadiths, jurisprudence, and the sciences of spiritual purification according to Islam. Finally, they began an introduction to trade school and business ethics. On graduation day, students were given turbans symbolizing divine light, wisdom, knowledge and excellent moral conduct. After receiving their diplomas, the students would gather outside the examination building or the main campus library and throw their turbans high into the air and cheering. The superior degree required students to study under specialized professors and to complete research work. Much of the learning centered on debates to philosophic or religious questions. Before graduating from this level, students attached themselves to a Sheik (Islamic teacher) and had to demonstrate a strong character. Senior Roles The last level of learning at Sankoré or any masjid was the level of judge or professor. These men worked mainly as judges for the city and throughout the region, dispersing learned men to all the principal cities in Mali. A third level student who had impressed his Sheik enough was admitted into a "circle of knowledge" and valued as a