What types of manuscripts did the university Sankore possess?

The Sankore Madrasah (often mistakenly called a university, as it was more of a complex of higher education institutions) in Timbuktu possessed a vast and diverse collection of manuscripts. While a precise catalog is impossible due to losses and incomplete records, the surviving manuscripts and historical accounts indicate the collection included:

* Religious texts: This formed a significant portion of the library, encompassing various interpretations and schools of thought within Islam. This included Qur'anic commentaries (tafsir), Hadith collections (accounts of the Prophet Muhammad's sayings and actions), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) treatises, and works on Islamic theology (kalam). Different schools of Islamic thought, such as Maliki, were represented.

* Literature and poetry: Arabic literature, including poetry (especially classical Arabic poetry), prose, and works of fiction, were present. These weren't solely religious in nature; they reflected the broader cultural and intellectual life of the time.

* History and geography: Manuscripts detailing historical events, both universal and regional, were kept. Accounts of the history of the Muslim world, as well as local chronicles and geographic works describing different regions, were likely part of the collection.

* Science and mathematics: The Sankore Madrasah was a center of learning across diverse disciplines. Manuscripts concerning astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and other sciences were included. This reflects the sophisticated level of scientific knowledge in the region during this period.

* Law and administration: Given the importance of legal matters and governance, texts concerning law, administration, and political thought likely featured in the collection.

* Mystical and Sufi literature: Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, was a significant influence in the region. Therefore, manuscripts related to Sufi thought and practice would have been included.

It's crucial to remember that the manuscripts were primarily in Arabic, although other languages like Berber might have been represented in some works. The collection represented a blend of established classical learning and newer works reflecting local interpretations and contexts. The loss of a significant portion of this collection makes it difficult to provide an entirely comprehensive list, but the above represents the known breadth of its intellectual holdings.