The 126th Anniversary of the Camel Stamp

The first of March 2024 marks the 126th anniversary of the issuance of Sudan’s first postage stamp, Al Jamal Stamp (the Camel Stamp), on 1 March 1898, a symbol similar to the flag and national anthem, symbolising Sudanese identity.

Historically, Egyptian stamps were dominant in northern Sudan, while the Turkish stamps were common in Suakin, a historical city in the east of Sudan, under the Ottoman Empire. During British colonisation under major-general Herbert Kitchener’s campaign, Egyptian stamps were used by soldiers. However, Kitchener opposed this practice, interpreting it as implying Sudan’s assimilation into Egypt, which he opposed, highlighting the political significance attached to the choice of postage stamps during that period.

Meanwhile, Kitchener obstinate about avoiding personal glorification, tasked James Watson with designing stamps for Sudan. Watson, in turn, assigned Al Bakbashi Estanthon to create the design promptly. Within four days, Estanthon produced a depiction featuring a postman atop a camel crossing the desert, followed by additional camels and spears. Symbolically, loads representing mail adorned the camel’s side, bearing the inscription “Sudan Post‘, which is evident to Sudanese identity and independence in postal communication.

Later, Kitchener approved Estanthon’s design, which was subsequently printed at the Delarue Press in England. It is thought that Estanthon sought to model for the postman was the esteemed the poet Ibrahim Wad Al Farash, who was known for his bravery and literary talent. Al Farash was appointed by the Berber ruler to deliver government mail to the Corsco Region on Sudan’s northern border and along the Red Sea coast.

The first of March 1898 stands as a significant moment in the Sudanese postal history. On this date, the iconic Camel Stamp was sold as Sudan’s first postage stamp to soldiers in their Berber camp, marking the birth of Sudanese postal independence. The Camel Stamp not only found utility in Sudanese currency, but also served as the symbol of the Sudanese French Bank later. In 1998, the General Post and Telegraph Authority in Berber celebrated the 100 anniversaries of the Camel Stamp’s issuance, attracting stamp collectors from various European nations to celebrate this enduring symbol of Sudan’s postal heritage.

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Dr Hassan Adrob is a Sudanese based in Oman, teaching English Language and Linguistics at Red Sea University, Sohar University, and recently at (MCBS) Modern College of Business and Science. Holding MA and PhD in Applied Linguistics, he’s a CELTA instructor, participated in IELTS Training Programme, and authored four books with Eliva Press. He is active in conferences and fulfills roles as lecturer and skills leader.