In 2012, as armed groups occupied northern Mali, Abdel Kader Haidara made the decision to protect Timbuktu's intellectual legacy. As a librarian and scholar, he knew that the ancient manuscripts were at mortal risk.
Haidara secretly organised a group of volunteers who hid the texts in metal boots and moved them to safety. They used cars, boats and even donkeys to outwit the militiamen.
Before the extremists began destroying libraries, nearly 400,000 manuscripts had already been relocated to Bamako, the capital of Mali. Each relocation required strategy, patience and high personal risk.
The documents cover centuries of knowledge: treatises on astronomy, mathematics, law, philosophy and spirituality. Thanks to their work, more than 95 % of this heritage was saved, ensuring its transmission to future generations.
Haidara's work not only preserves ancient texts, but reflects the importance of cultural memory in the face of violence. Her strategy combined discretion, courage and community organisation.
Today, Haidara's legacy inspires curators, librarians and activists around the world. Her story shows that protecting culture is an act of resistance that transcends borders and generations.
Source: smithsonianmag.com; ava360.com