Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Stamp Collector

    From Timbuktu to the Big Apple

    Jun 12, 2020 5 minutes

    Located in the central part of Mali, Timbuktu was founded by Tuaregs c.1100 and quickly became an important crossroads for the trans-Saharan caravans trading in gold, ivory, salt and slaves, writes Christer Brunström. An Islamic university was established in Timbuktu adding to its reputation. Timbuktu was part of the Mali Empire. In the 1460s it was conquered by the Songhai Empire and this led to its prominence as a centre for Islamic learning.

    After the Moroccan conquest in 1591, Timbuktu gradually lost its importance and it turned into an insignificant small-town. Timbuktu was closed to Europeans and non-Moslems. It was only in 1828 that French explorer René Caillié (1799-1838) managed to return from a visit to the city disguised as an Arab traveller.

    Timbuktu is home to an important complex of ancient mosques and mausoleums. The mosques house thousands of old historic manuscripts. The UNESCO

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from Stamp Collector

    Stamp Collector2 min read
    In Brief
    A sheet of 16 stamps from the USPS, released on 15 May, features the work of Ansel Adams (1902–84), one of the most influential and best-known photographers of the 20th century. Ansel Adams crafted photographs in exquisitely sharp focus and nearly in
    Stamp Collector3 min read
    In Brief
    At Stamp Active, Alan Bretherton, who had been the organiser of Kidstamps for several years, has stood down for health reasons. The organisation is very grateful for all his efforts and also for the support given by Ralph and Christine Stuttard in pr
    Stamp Collector1 min read
    Next Month in STAMP COLLECTOR
    INCORPORATING COIN COLLECTOR ON SALE 12 JULY Build your knowledge… build your collection with the UK’s only stamp and coin magazine WHY IT IS THE IDEAL TIME TO START A COLLECTION OF THIS SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRY THE WORLD’S FIRST GREETING CARDS AND POS

    Related Books & Audiobooks