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:
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 . UNESCO fears the important site could be destroyed or looted by rebels .