The African ethnic groups pivotal to the development of Timbuktu up till the 16th century are as follows:
Tuareg
They were nomadic camel herders who inhabited eastern Mali and Niger. The Tuareg migrated into the western Sahara following the Arab invasion of North Africa in the seventh century A.D. Tuareg have been called the "blue people of the desert," because of the deep azure color imparted by indigo dye beaten into their garments(Refer to blog header photo). As mentioned under the 'Origins' section, the Tuareg are widely believed to have founded Timbuktu.
Songhay
Unlike the Tuareg, they are sedentary people. Many of them are farmers and fishermen. In the early centuries, their original capitol was fixed at Kukya, on the border of Niger and Mali. They were the founders of the Songhay Empire in the 15th century.
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