Role of the Traditional Masonry Corporation in the Process of Reconstruction of the Destroyed Mausolees in Timbuktu, Mali

Type:

Book Chapter

Author:

Lassana Cissé

Published:

2020

The military coup of March 22, 2012, and the yearlong occupation of the northern regions of Mali were followed by the destruction of cultural heritage properties, among them several mausoleums in Timbuktu. As a result, rebuilding damaged cultural heritage properties was one of the many challenges Mali had to face after the liberation of the occupied zones. Rehabilitation of these properties, particularly the four World Heritage Sites of Mali (Old City of Djenné, Timbuktu, Bandiagara Cliffs, Tomb of Askia), was given government priority. Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia in Gao had been severely damaged by the armed conflict, and the two sites were placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in July 2012 at the 36th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Most of the mausoleums, which represent important components of the cultural heritage of Timbuktu, were destroyed. As local cultural practices and rituals were prohibited during the occupation, collective maintenance work of monuments and related buildings by community members could not be done. Ancient manuscripts were burned or taken away, but fortunately most of them were secured and sent to the capital city Bamako until the situation improves in Timbuktu. Under these circumstances, the Malian Government submitted a request to UNESCO who, in turn, called for the assistance of the international community. Several initiatives were taken, including A Day of Support for Mali’s heritage, lau…

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