Watch The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu

The movie The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu is a stunning documentary that highlights the rich history and enduring legacies of Africa's Timbuktu. Released in 2016, this film was directed by Jean-Pierre Bekolo and produced by Lucky Postlethwaite, Francesca Von Habsburg, and Abderrahmane Sissako. The documentary celebrates the region's intellectual heritage and endeavors to counter the negative stereotypes that are often associated with African countries.

The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu tells the story of the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the center of the documentary are the manuscripts that were discovered in the region, which date back to the 16th century. These manuscripts, which were written in Arabic and were found in private collections and libraries around the world, provide a different narrative of the history of Africa.

The film follows the story of an illiterate shepherd, Abdel Kader Haidara, who dedicates his life to preserving the manuscripts. Mr. Haidara becomes determined to find and recover these precious manuscripts from private collections around the world, and bring them back to their rightful home in Timbuktu. The research focuses on the importance of the manuscripts not only to Africa's history but to the global narrative, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange between civilizations.

The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu is celebrated for what it achieves. It showcases the intellectual strengths of Timbuktu and demonstrates that this region had a rich history and thriving civilization in place when Western countries were still crawling out of the Dark Ages. The documentary serves as a challenge to the myths of a continent mired in poverty, illiteracy, and ignorance.

In addition to the story of Abdel Kader Haidara's quest to recover the priceless manuscripts, The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu, also provides a backdrop for the intellectual achievements of Timbuktu across the centuries. The documentary showcases the works of historical figures like Muhammad Bagayogo, who was a renowned astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer in Timbuktu. The film also highlights the intellectual exchanges that took place here between the Arab and African scholars and the ideas that emerged as a result of these exchanges.

One of the most memorable aspects of The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu is the cinematography. The film takes viewers on a breathtakingly beautiful journey through the heart of Africa, into the desert of the Sahara and to Timbuktu. The desert panoramas, ancient monuments, and vibrant markets capture the essence of the region and create a vivid portrait of an ancient city with an incomparable contribution to human culture.

The documentary also explores the fundamental relationship between knowledge and power. We see how the manuscripts provided the region with an intellectual legacy that bolstered their power and reputation. The contents of the manuscripts covered a range of subjects from medicine and astronomy to history and religion. Their preservation has been crucial in sharing the region's intellectual legacy and kept the Tamutchu's centuries-old knowledge of the cosmos alive.

Overall, The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu is a significant and inspirational documentary that is both educational and inspirational. It features the story of an ancient city and its contribution to the intellectual heritage of humanity. It is a testament to Africa's intellectual heritage and seeks to revise the negative images associated with the country.

The story of Abdel Kader Haidara's quest to recover the manuscripts and bring them back to their rightful home is a testament to the importance of preserving history and culture, and how it can impact the world. The Ancient Astronomers of Timbuktu is a reminder that African cultures have stood the test of time, and it is essential to recognize their vast intellectual accomplishments. Whether you are interested in the intellectual history of Africa or the preservation and synthesis of knowledge, this documentary will not disappoint.