In medieval times , Timbuktu , in present-day Mali , was an important intellectual center . `` Timbuktu in the 14th to the 16th century was an important university city where many manuscripts referring to knowledge of astronomy , economy , religion , mathematics , physics , and medicine were produced , '' said Lazare Eloundou , chief of the Africa unit for UNESCO 's World Heritage Center . Known for its great mosques and trove of manuscripts , the city has world-heritage status . Islamist and Tuareg rebels have occupied the city in recent weeks . Comment:
In medieval times , Timbuktu , in present-day Mali , was an important intellectual center . Known for its great mosques and trove of manuscripts , the city has world-heritage status . Islamist and Tuareg rebels have occupied the city in recent weeks . Comment: