Fearing that those responsible for the current unrest could loot or destroy the treasures , librarians and curators are making efforts to hide the texts or smuggle them out of the city to safety . In medieval times , Mali , in present - day Mali , was an important intellectual center . Famous for its great mosques and trove of manuscripts , the city has world - famous status . Islamist and Tuareg rebels have attacked the city in recent weeks . UNESCO fears the important site will be destroyed or looted by rebels .
In medieval times , Mali , in present - day Mali , was an important intellectual center . Famous for its great mosques and trove of manuscripts , the city has world - famous status . Islamist and Tuareg rebels have attacked the city in recent weeks . UNESCO fears the important site will be destroyed or looted by rebels .