According to legend, the city emerged thanks to the old man Bucktu and his well (’tim’ in Tuareg), who warmly met caravans. He was the main character in medieval tales: the streets of gold, wise men, etc. He and a group of warriors tried to conquer the African Eldorado but didn’t come back until the Frenchman René Caillié pretended to be a pilgrim. Imagine his surprise when he saw a poor town of mud buildings. Now, people who love adventures are attracted by the unique architecture of the mosques.