What’s In the Manuscripts of Timbuktu? A Survey of the Contents of 31 Private Libraries

Timbuktu's Arabic manuscripts, though widely publicized, have remained largely unexplored. A recent survey of 31 private libraries housing nearly 350,000 manuscripts reveals a rich trove of knowledge, now accessible via the West African Arabic Manuscript Database (WAAMD). The study highlights challenges in identifying incomplete works and compares these collections with others across West Africa. This inventory sheds light on Timbuktu's historical significance as a center of learning, offering insights into its intellectual heritage and cultural legacy.

Stewart, C. C. (2021). What’s In the Manuscripts of Timbuktu? A Survey of the Contents of 31 Private Libraries. History in Africa, 48, 279–308. https://doi.org/10.1017/hia.2020.18