This is a story of tragedy and conflict, where one of Africa’s greatest and oldest cities faced the complete annihilation of its cultural legacy. This is also a story of hope and courage, where government officials and private citizens placed their lives on the line in their successful attempt at rescuing one of the largest collections of ancient manuscripts in the world. This is the story of Timbuktu.

Archaeologist Dr. Douglas Park will go deep into the background of Timbuktu’s capture and takeover by al-Qaeda linked radicals and its subsequent liberation by Malian and French troops. Based upon his personal experiences from 13 months of field research at Timbuktu, he will explore why ancient monuments and priceless manuscripts were targeted and destroyed, how many were saved, and what must be done to begin rebuilding the city’s cultural legacy.

http://research.columbian.gwu.edu/archaeology/sites/default/files/u42/1_Timbuktu_Lecture_Flyer_DougPark.pdf