“In Timbuktu there are numerous judges, scholars and priests, all well paid by the king, who greatly honours learned men. Many manuscript books coming from Barbary are sold. Such sales are more profitable than any other goods...."
- Leo Africanus, 16th century.
How does this quote illustrate the culture of Timbuktu as a result of movement through trade networks?
A) Christianity moved through West Africa starting in the 13th century. The religion promoted openness to new ideas and many Christian scholars came to Timbuktu to study during this time.
B) Timbuktu was isolated in West Africa and the quote describes this isolation. The vast desert made it difficult to travel there and this part of the country fell largely behind the east in regards to education and culture.
C) Islam came to West Africa through Muslim traders and was widely accepted in West African cities. These cities became a major center of Islamic religious and intellectual life that attracted scholars throughout the Muslim world.
D) The quote indicates that Timbuktu was highly influenced by northern European scholars. These scholars had for centuries been coming to Africa along Mediterranean trade routes. European culture was a major influence in Africa at the time.
Timbuktu became a center of trade, culture and learning in the 13th and the 14th centuries. It become an Islamic scholarly center that attracted many people from many parts of Africa.
C) Islam came to West Africa through Muslim traders and was widely accepted in West African cities. These cities became a major center of Islamic religious and intellectual life that attracted scholars throughout the Muslim world.
