Timbuktu Manuscripts Project

$29.9K USD

Funder	Department of State
Recipient Organization	U.S. Government - Department of State
Country	Mali
Start Date	May 16, 2001
End Date	May 12, 2003
Duration	726 days
Number of Grantees	2
Roles	Recipient
Data Source	US Foreign Aid
Grant ID	`77557-48`

Grant Description

This grant supports the preservation of Islamic manuscripts dating from the 13th century in Timbuktu.

Based upon the Koran, the Timbuktu texts were used by "ambassadors of peace " a corps of Islamic diplomats, or Holy Men, who traveled across Africa en route to Mecca.

The funds supported a public education initiative "Day of the Book" through which Malians will be made aware of this important aspect of their cultural heritage and of preservation techniques.