Timbuktu, also known as Timbuktu, is a legendary city located in Mali, West Africa. Nestled on the edge of the Sahara Desert, this historic city is a cultural treasure and a symbol of cross-cultural exchange that dates back centuries. Due to its historical and cultural importance, Timbuktu was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.

Timbuktu's fame dates back to medieval times, when it was a major center of education, commerce and spirituality in the Sahel region. The city was an important trading center for salt, gold, ivory and slaves, attracting caravans from both north and south. These exchanges have fostered a unique cultural dialogue between the Arab, Berber, Tuareg and sub-Saharan African peoples.