Twelve Gates of Timbuktu

The Twelve Gates of Timbuktu refer to the historically significant city gates that divided Timbuktu into twelve districts, each with its own distinct community and purpose. These gates facilitated trade, provided access points for trade caravans, and reflected the city’s diverse culture during its peak as a major trading and Islamic educational center. Today, they symbolize Timbuktu’s rich history as a hub of commerce, scholarship, and cultural exchange in Mali, representing its importance in connecting West Africa with the broader Islamic world.