"Timbuktu in the 14th to the 16th century was an important university city where many manuscripts referring to knowledge of astronomy, economy, religion, mathematics, physics, and medicine were produced, " said Lazare Eloundou, chief of the Africa unit for UNESCO's World Heritage Center.

CNN: Timbuktu: Mali's treasure at risk from armed uprising

It is commonly cited as one of the most important works of Armenian folklore, functioning as an encyclopaedia and repository of the entire range of knowledge about the heritage of Armenian people, their religion, mythology, philosophy, cosmology, customs and ethics.

UNESCO: Intangible Cultural Heritage

The book, pamphlet and newspaper have spread knowledge (and nonsense), transforming economies, politics and religion.

ECONOMIST: Millennium issue: COMMUNICATION