Ivy League of Africa
The University of Khartoum is one of the oldest universities in Africa and the Middle East. It was established in 1898 as the Gordon Memorial College after British General Charles Gordon who was killed in Sudan during the Mahdi Revolt. It officially became the University of Khartoum in 1951, 5 years before Sudan gained independence. Many of the Sudan’s leading figures, including Ismail al-Azhari, Mohamed Ahmed Mahjoob, Sirr Al-Khatim Al-Khalifa, Babiker Awadalla and Ibrahim Abood Ahmed, studied there.
This piece aims to give the University of Khartoum the Ivy League credit it deserves. The vintage-inspired crest incorporates the university emblem which includes the following elements.
1. The Nile
The confluence of the two Niles is shown by two converging lines - the Blue Nile on the right and the White Nile on the left which then continues upwards through the emblem as the spine of an open book.
2. Modern Education
This is depicted by the drawing of the main University building, with rays emerging from it to enlighten a black background that represents the dispersal of ignorance.
3. Indigenous Nubian Culture
This is shown by the rectangular Nubian tablet dedicated to the ancient deity “Isis“ occupying the left space. The inscriptions in the tablet are the four Meroitic letters (right to left) "kh. r. t. m." The letters of offering and the head of Isis are meant to symbolize dedication, sacrifice, and wisdom. According to the Nubians, Isis was the mother goddess whose wisdom increased as more and more generations were born.
4. Motto
The motto occupies the right space. The Arabic writing is intended to reflect the dominant culture of modern Sudan. It reads: Allah - Al-Hagiga - Al-Watan - Al-Insaniyya, [God - Truth - Our Country - Humanity]. It highlights how the ultimate knowledge of all things is with God and that man has been and shall forever remain pursuing the secrets of creation. The basis of knowledge is truth and the purpose of knowledge is the elevation of mankind.
