Description

Book Synopsis
Originally published in 1983, this book deals with the precolonial history of the Islamic West African city of Timbuktu. The book traces the fortunes of this fabled city from its origins in the twelfth century, and more especially from around 1400 onwards, to the French conquest in the late nineteenth century. The study rests upon a comprehensive utilisation of the Timbuktu sources, including the well-known chronicles or tarikhs of Timbuktu. The author focuses on the role of scholars and, in so doing, he provides a fresh study of a learned community in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the study shows that the scholars occupied a position of leadership and authority in the social structure of the city. Hence, in providing fuller understanding of the role of scholars and their status as 'notables', the work makes it possible to understand the enigma which has surrounded this extraordinary city throughout its history. It contributes an important perspective for historians of Africa, the

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Genesis of a social tradition; 3. The scholars as a learned elite; 4. The scholars as administrators; 5. The scholars as regional notables; 6. Persistence of the patriciate; 7. Summary and conclusions; Appendices; Notes; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

Social History of Timbuktu The Role of Muslim Scholars and Notables 1400 1900 Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization

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    A Paperback by Elias N. Saad

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      Book details

      Publisher Cambridge University Press
      Published 2/25/2010 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN-13 9780521136303
      978-0521136303
      ISBN-10 052113630X
      Also in:
      African history African history: pre-colonial

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Originally published in 1983, this book deals with the precolonial history of the Islamic West African city of Timbuktu. The book traces the fortunes of this fabled city from its origins in the twelfth century, and more especially from around 1400 onwards, to the French conquest in the late nineteenth century. The study rests upon a comprehensive utilisation of the Timbuktu sources, including the well-known chronicles or tarikhs of Timbuktu. The author focuses on the role of scholars and, in so doing, he provides a fresh study of a learned community in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the study shows that the scholars occupied a position of leadership and authority in the social structure of the city. Hence, in providing fuller understanding of the role of scholars and their status as 'notables', the work makes it possible to understand the enigma which has surrounded this extraordinary city throughout its history. It contributes an important perspective for historians of Africa, the

      Table of Contents
      Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Genesis of a social tradition; 3. The scholars as a learned elite; 4. The scholars as administrators; 5. The scholars as regional notables; 6. Persistence of the patriciate; 7. Summary and conclusions; Appendices; Notes; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

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