Preserving Timbuktu's Ancient Manuscripts
The desert around Timbuktu, Mali, is home to more than 700,000 ancient manuscripts. Dating back to the 12th century, the remarkable treasures provide a detailed record of the daily and intellectual life of the region. Today, the fragile manuscripts are time worn and require protection and restoration.
A History of Support
Since 2000, the Ford Foundation has invested more than $4 million in several efforts to preserve the Timbuktu manuscripts. The projects include providing proper storage environments and physical repair, translating the mostly Arabic texts and digitizing the documents to make them available for scholarly research. Timbuktu's manuscripts are a part of the world's collective memory and offer invaluable insight into African history and culture. Our support of this remarkable restoration campaign reflects our longstanding commitment to fostering global awareness of intellectual and cultural legacies.
Learn more about our efforts in Timbuktu.
Credits
Photography: Ami Vitale
Engraving: Mary Evans Picture Library