Sankore Mosque Timbuktu

PRINTED KIT - CUT, FOLD, GLUE! This model comes unassembled, delivered flat-packed in a large envelope.

What's inside? 8 sturdy A4 size paper sheets with cutting and scoring lines printed on. You will need to cut, score, fold and glue the parts in order to assemble the model according to the set-up instructions which come with the kit.

Things which are not included, but you'll need in order to assemble the model: time & patience, a hobby knife, a ruler, a cutting mat or hard surface to work on, white glue (PVA). Some other things might be helpful: a pointed stylus, tweezers and scissors. See what tools we recommend.

This model will require more than one sitting to build it. We advise to pause between different stages as you work, especially when you come to gluing. The white glue softens the paper and it may lead to misshapen parts if you do not allow them to dry well before proceeding further with assembling. Click here to watch our paper model building tips.

Give yourself enough time to enjoy the process and achieve the best result!

We ship worldwide from Cheltenham, United Kingdom via Royal Mail, and via express couriers for Express shipping.

We are committed to dispatching your purchases on time, often ahead of the estimated processing timeframe. However, delivery times mentioned below are estimates only and are not guaranteed due to local postal factors.

We ship the next business day. For example, a Special Delivery order placed on Monday will be dispatched on Tuesday and should be delivered by 1 PM on Wednesday.

Please note that the shipping fee is non-refundable.

Estimated delivery timelines and rates:

Domestic orders (UK)

Tracked 48: £2.49, delivery aimed in 2–4 business days.
Tracked 24: £3.99, delivery aimed in 1–2 business days.
Special Delivery: £9.95, delivery aimed by 1 PM next business day, excluding the order day.

Orders over £50 ship free via Tracked 48 service.

International orders

Standard & Tracked: 5–15 business days.
Express: 2–4 business days.

Orders over £50 / $68 / C$94 /€58 ship free via Tracked service.

Orders to US

10% import duty added at checkout. Duties are non-refundable. 
Rates from: Standard $6, Tracked $12, Express $40.

Orders to EU

Up to €150 (excluding VAT) – VAT collected at checkout. Over €150 – recipient responsible for import costs, including VAT, duties, and clearance fees. 
Rates from: Standard €5, Tracked €8, Express €26.

Orders to rest of the world

Local customs charges may apply and are the recipient’s responsibility.
Rates from: Standard £5, Tracked £10, Express £25.

Delays

Delivery delays are beyond our control. While over 95% of orders arrive within the stated timeframe, delays may occasionally occur, especially during peak periods. If you need your order by a specific date, consider Express shipping.

Read our full delivery information and policy on returns here.

The Sankore Mosque, located in Timbuktu, Mali, is a significant historical and architectural landmark, emblematic of the Islamic Golden Age in Africa. It was established in the early 15th century, although some sources suggest that a smaller mosque existed on the site as early as the 13th century. The mosque is named after the prestigious Sankore University, which was part of the mosque complex and a renowned center of Islamic learning and scholarship in Africa.

Reflective of the distinctive Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, the Sankore Mosque is constructed primarily from mud bricks, limestone, and wood. The mosque's most striking features are its pyramid-like minarets covered with wooden sticks called "toron," which also serve as scaffolding for maintenance. The building, with its protruding wooden beams and large, conical towers, is a classic example of the traditional mud-built architecture found in West Africa.

The Sankore Mosque was more than just a place of worship; it was at the heart of Sankore University. This institution played a crucial role in the spread knowledge throughout Africa, with scholars and students coming from various parts of the continent.

The mosque, along with the Djinguereber and Sidi Yahya mosques, forms part of the "University of Timbuktu." This trio of mosques has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the golden age of Timbuktu as an intellectual and spiritual capital in the 15th and 16th centuries, influencing both Islam and higher education throughout Africa.

Like many ancient mud-structure buildings, the Sankore Mosque requires regular maintenance to combat erosion caused by weather and time. Efforts have been made to preserve its original design and structure, recognizing its significance as a symbol of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Timbuktu.