Not long ago, there was a competition for finding the British twin of Timbuktu-an African city. The town of Hay-on-Wye, having second-hand books business, and a self-proclaimed so called "king" won the competition. In a competition with other 52 UK towns and cities, among which were York and Liverpool, this little “Town of Books” was on the first place for most suitable and closest twin of Timbuktu.

The idea for such a search, was launched by Stuart Redler- a photographer, whose work during that time was marking the start of images exhibition from Mali- a home to Timbuktu. The debate for the competition was really “heated”. And the decision appeared after five hours of discussion. A summer visit in Hay, was predicted by the delegation from the city of Timbuktu.

The purpose of the visit was providing more information for the cities Mali and Timbuktu, situated on the southern tip of Sahara. The information was prepared to be spread among the schools in Hay and the whole Wales and UK.

The delegates were attending invitations for receptions at the Welsh assembly and the Houses of Parliament. Hay-on-Way was shortlisted along with Glastonbury and York.

There were representatives, invited to visit Timbuktu. The information about this was spread by the Hay’s twinning committee chair Anne Brichto.

Ancient African and Arabic manuscripts are hosed in Timbuktu’s private and public libraries. Timbuktu is the oldest written word’s home in Africa. The second handed book capital of the world is Hay-on-Wye. It’s geographical position is also just at the right place. The Mayor of Timbuktu said, that he is very happy with the results. In his view, there is a great benefit, brought to the two communities.

Hay-on-Wye is not the only twin of Timbuktu. Kairouan in Tunisia, Tempe in Arizona, USA, Marrakech in Morocco, Saintes in France, and Chemnitz in Germany are already its twin cities