Final answer:
Kira Salak's journey to Timbuktu is reminiscent of historical explorations by figures such as Leo Africanus, Mansa Musa, and Ibn Battuta. Timbuktu's history as a thriving center of trade and scholarship, despite facing periods of decline, validates Salak's travel as a continuation of the narrative rather than ludicrous or insane.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Kira Salak's journey to Timbuktu as ludicrous or insane requires context from travel narratives of the past. Leo Africanus, in the sixteenth century, observed Timbuktu as a prosperous city with artisans, wealthy merchants, and Islamic scholars, indicating a thriving centre facilitated by robust trade and intellectual wealth. Travel in the Mali Empire, as described in the provided excerpts, was a daunting task limited to few due to expenses and challenges, exemplified by Ibn Battuta's extensive journeys. Mansa Musa's lavish pilgrimage to Mecca and his contributions to Timbuktu's renaissance underpin the city's historical grandeur; his generosity left an indelible mark, causing inflation in Cairo due to the distribution of gold. Sunni Ali's destructive conquest followed by Askia the Great’s rule demonstrates the fluctuating fate of Timbuktu.
Against this backdrop, one could argue that Salak's journey, while daring, connects to a legacy of exploration and rediscovery of this once-amazing city. Echoing the spirit of explorers like Barth and Battuta, Salak's journey might initially seem impractical or hazardous, but it resonates with the timeless pursuit of knowledge and understanding diverse cultures. So, Salak's journey could be seen as a modern continuation of historical narratives, neither ludicrous nor insane but a testament to human curiosity and resilience.