![]() ![]() ![]() All of these perceptibly demonstrate that one cannot sidestep the Muslim contribution to this continent's identity. And as one travels further south of the continent, one finds ample proof that point to the Muslims' presence. And when moving to East Africa's coastal regions one comes across numerous historical sites/towns such as Kilwa that are clearly reminiscent of Muslim influence. For example, when traveling through central Africa one finds many scholarly manuscripts that have yet to be edited and that cover different themes. These have since become part of Africa's continental heritage and most of them have fortunately been preserved by its numerous nation-states. ![]() Indeed when one scans the length and breath of the continent, one comes across various types of evidence that points to the fact that Muslims left behind their footprints in almost every sector of the continent. Though Khalid Diab, the Egyptian-Belgian journalist, significantly remarked that, " Islamic Civilization is so hard-wired into Europe's cultural, social and intellectual DNA that it would be impossible to expunge its influence " (Al-Jazeera ), one is of the view that Africa neatly fitted that profile since it – more than any other continent-tangibly reflect that. ![]() In fact, it was Ali Mazrui, the Africanist, who powerfully described this dimension when he highlighted the continent's triple heritage (of which Christianity and African Religious Tradition also form a part). Initiatives included the restoration of the Mosque of Komoguel, which was at risk of collapse, and the creation of the National Park of Mali in the capital, Bamako.Anyone acquainted with Africa's rich social history cannot deny the fact that Islam – as a dynamic religious tradition-has indeed been an integral part of its identity. The agreement was signed by the Aga Khan and President Amadou Toumani Toure. In 2004 His Highness the Aga Khan signed an agreement under which the AKDN launched new initiatives in the country. The city’s mosques played a critical role in the spread of Islam throughout West Africa in the 15th and 16th Centuries, according to UNESCO.Īga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Mali “Making a digital record and copy of the manuscripts is very important and for the first time we’re bringing the fruits of our labour after so many years,” he said.įor centuries Timbuktu was a cultural hub on the African continent, as well as an Islamic centre of learning. The ancient documents were originally written in medieval Arabic but have now been translated to English, French, Spanish and modern Arabic to make them more accessible, which Google Program Manager and Digital Archaeologist Chance Coughenour told the BBC was a first. It also showcases art, such as that of award-winning Abdoulaye Konaté, and an image of builders plastering the Great Mosque of Djenné, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 500km (310 miles) south of Timbuktu. It features a picture of the dance of the Dogon ethnic group. It was put together by Google, along with local and international partners. The collection, called Mali Magic, also captures Malian culture beyond the manuscripts. ![]()
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