What was Timbuktu primarily recognized for during the Songhai era?

What was Timbuktu primarily recognized for during the Songhai era?

• A. A major naval port on the Atlantic.
• B. A center for gold mining with no educational significance.
• C. A site of large stone fortresses and religious pilgrimage.
• D. A major center of Islamic scholarship, trade, and manuscript preservation.

Answer: (D)