In the shifting sands of history, few treasures have weathered the storms of time with as much resilience and mystery as the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu. These fragile pages, once hidden beneath the desert's surface, carry within them the weight of centuries, the whispers of scholars long gone, and the indomitable spirit of a continent that has contributed immensely to the tapestry of human knowledge.
Among these hallowed texts lies a 15th-century manuscript that defied the ravages of local tribal wars, Moroccan invasions, colonial plunder, termites, and the merciless grasp of moisture. Rescued from the brink of oblivion and brought to light in the early 2000s, this manuscript now finds sanctuary in the Library of Congress in Washington, where it awaits its full revelation to the world.
It is a story that demands to be told-a narrative that stands as a testament to the enduring power of the African mind, as former South African President Thabo Mbeki once declared. This manuscript is none other than "The Story of Alexander," a tale woven into the very fabric of Timbuktu's legacy, now preserved for posterity and ready to offer its wisdom to the modern world.
The ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu hold an unparalleled place in the annals of African literature and philosophy. These texts, meticulously crafted and carefully preserved over centuries, represent the intellectual heritage of a continent that has long been underestimated and overlooked. They are a testament to the flourishing scholarly tradition that once thrived in the heart of Africa, a tradition that produced a vast corpus of work covering diverse fields such as theology, astronomy, medicine, and law.
The manuscripts reveal a sophisticated understanding of the world, a depth of thought, and a literary culture that contributed significantly to global knowledge. As Thabo Mbeki aptly noted, these manuscripts symbolize the contribution of the African mind to the collective history of humanity, challenging the narrow perceptions of Africa's role in the development of world civilization.
The preservation and study of these manuscripts are not just an academic exercise; they are an urgent cultural imperative. With many of these invaluable texts being threatened by the ravages of time and conflict, especially the destructive actions of terrorists in Timbuktu in 2012, there is an immediate need to translate and disseminate their contents to the world. Such efforts not only safeguard a crucial part of our shared human heritage but also restore to Africa the recognition it deserves as a cradle of knowledge and wisdom.
Among the treasures of Timbuktu's literary tradition, the narrative of Alexander the Great holds a unique place. In the Timbuktu manuscripts, Alexander is not merely depicted as a conqueror or a historical figure of military might; he is revered as the "Two-Horned" prophet mentioned in the Quran, a figure of profound spiritual significance.
As recounted in Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-84), Alexander is portrayed as a prophet of doom, much like King Solomon, who was chosen by God to spread divine justice through the sword as a punishment for disbelievers. The Timbuktu narrative enriches the broader corpus of Alexander lore by intertwining it with Islamic theology and African cosmology, portraying him as a divine instrument endowed with supernatural abilities: able to walk on water, see in the dark, space-shift, ride the clouds, control the winds, and even ride a unicorn.
This portrayal of Alexander offers a compelling synthesis of historical legend and religious belief, blending the familiar with the fantastical, and provides a distinct African perspective on a figure who has been immortalized in countless cultures and civilizations.