What ways did the Timbuktu become a great city?

Timbuktu became a great city due to its strategic location as a trade hub in the Sahara Desert, facilitating the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean. Its rise was further enhanced by the influx of scholars and traders, particularly during the Mali Empire, which established it as a center of Islamic learning and culture. The construction of prominent institutions, such as the Sankore University and the Djinguereber Mosque, attracted intellectuals and contributed to its reputation as a center of knowledge. Additionally, its rich cultural heritage and architectural achievements solidified Timbuktu’s status as a significant urban center in history.