A Mosque located in the Timbuktu Historical Site. The Timbuktu Site is now under pressure from nearby rebels.(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The United Nations has said it is gravely concerned about Mali’s historical city of Timbuktu as violence in the country’s north escalates rapidly. Rebel presence in the area nearing Timbuktu have forced UNESCO to put it on the Danger list. Mali’s government had asked the UN to recognise the threat to the condition of its historical sites and the high risk of trafficking of cultural objects during this time of rebel insurgencies. The Historical Site of Timbuktu is famous for being known to contain 700,000 manuscripts, tombs, artifacts etc. Architecture is also a prominent feature of Timbuktu, as the buildings of the Site are by-far unique. The Site was founded in about 1100, and is a strong Muslim area in Mali. The disadvantages of this event will surely lower tourism in the area until hostilities calm down. The only essential advantage this event has  is international recognition towards the preservation of major historical sites. Many conservationists are hoping that peace will ensure safety for the Timbuktu site as soon as possible. The question remains, will the site survive this tragic ordeal?