Timbuktu, a thriving city's collapse

No, not really. Founded by the "Blue men of Sahara" (the Tuaregs) in the 12th century, Timbuktu became a flourishing city in the 16th century due to its setting on an ancient Sahara caravan route. It was known all over Europe for its salt and gold mines, along with the ardent Muslims, possessors of resourceful intelligence. Now it's among the poorest cities in the world, not even the tourism getting too well: the 3 mosques - Sankore, Sidi Yahia and Djingareyber - though UNESCO World Heritage Sites, don't appeal to globetrotters.