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The Librarian of Mali Who Saved Timbuktu’s Cultural Treasures From al-Qaeda

In a heroic act of cultural preservation, Abdelkader Haidara, a dedicated librarian and historian, is being hailed for his pivotal role in protecting the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu from the devastating hands of al-Qaeda militants during their 2012 invasion of northern Mali.

At the time of the jihadist takeover, Haidara had painstakingly assembled a remarkable collection of 377,000 manuscripts, some dating back to the 11th century. These invaluable texts, covering diverse subjects like medicine, astronomy, poetry, and law, are key to understanding the rich intellectual history of West Africa. Faced with the looming threat of destruction, Haidara took extraordinary steps to safeguard these irreplaceable cultural treasures.

As the jihadists advanced on Timbuktu, known for its legendary libraries and centuries-old scholarship, Haidara worked tirelessly, enlisting the help of local families and community members to hide the manuscripts in remote locations. Using trusted networks, he smuggled thousands of manuscripts out of the city, concealing them in secret caves and homes, well out of reach from the occupying forces.

“I could not let our history, our heritage, be destroyed,” Haidara said in an interview reflecting on his actions. “These books are not just paper and ink; they are the soul of our civilization. I had to do everything possible to protect them.”

The jihadists, intent on eradicating cultural symbols they deemed un-Islamic, targeted the ancient libraries of Timbuktu, destroying manuscripts, burning buildings, and threatening centuries of intellectual achievement. Despite the chaos, Haidara’s resolve ensured that the vast majority of these texts were spared.

His efforts garnered international recognition, with cultural organizations and governments worldwide praising his courage and determination. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) called Haidara “a guardian of heritage,” acknowledging his role in saving one of the world’s most significant collections of ancient manuscripts.

In the years following the liberation of Timbuktu, Haidara’s work has continued to be celebrated. The manuscripts, now housed in several safe locations, are being carefully restored and digitized, ensuring that future generations can access and study them. Many of the texts have been made available to scholars, contributing to the global understanding of medieval Islamic scholarship, African history, and the intellectual legacy of Timbuktu.

Abdelkader Haidara’s bravery underscores the vital importance of cultural preservation, not only in the face of warfare but also as a way to safeguard humanity’s shared heritage. His actions remind the world that the protection of knowledge and history is a responsibility that transcends borders and conflicts.

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