Algier's Library Fire

On June 7, 1962, in the wake of the Algerian Independence War, the Library of the University of Algiers was burnt down with a 100.000 books becoming victim to the flames. The “Organisation de l'armée secrète” (OAS), which was opposed to Algerian Independence claimed responsibility. Several Arab countries, Saudi Arabia amongst them, issued stamps commemorating the event. The six Saudi-Arabian stamps were issued on January 15, 1966. When it was noticed that two Arabic words on the stamps were wrongly written, the stamps were withdrawn from sale on January 25, 1966.

Algier Algerian independence library flames Organisation de l'armée secrète” (OAS)
Algier Algerian independence library flames Organisation de l'armée secrète” (OAS)