Timbuktu is a historic city located in Mali, known for its rich cultural heritage and significance as a center of trade and scholarship during the medieval period. It was a vital hub for trans-Saharan trade and attracted scholars, traders, and travelers from across the Islamic world. Today, Timbuktu is celebrated for its ancient mosques and manuscripts, which reflect its historical importance. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Djinguereber Mosque and the Sankore University, showcasing its legacy as a center of learning and culture in West Africa.