Sankore mosque

mosque, Timbuktu, Mali

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July 13, 2026

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The Sankore Mosque is one of three ancient mosques in Timbuktu, Mali, built during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was constructed around 1327 by architect Abu Ishaq al-Sahili, commissioned by the Malian emperor Mansa Musa. The mosque, along with the Djinguereber and Sidi Yahia mosques, made Timbuktu a significant center of Islamic culture and learning. Sankore University was established around the mosque, attracting scholars and students. The mosque's design, incorporating a wooden framework into its mud walls, facilitated annual repairs, helping it survive to the present day. Despite periods of conflict and neglect, efforts have been made to preserve this historic site.12

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Timbuktu
…then commissioned to design the Sankore mosque, around which Sankore University was established. The mosque still stands today, probably because of al-Sāḥili’s directive to incorporate a wooden framework into the mud walls of the building, thus facilitating annual repairs after the rainy season. The Tuareg regained control of the city…
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…then commissioned to design the Sankore mosque, around which Sankore University was established. The mosque still stands today, probably because of al-Sāḥili’s directive to incorporate a wooden framework into the mud walls of the building, thus facilitating annual repairs after the rainy season. The Tuareg regained control of the city…
Read More