His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah inaugurated “The Arabic Manuscripts Collection of El Escorial” Exhibition at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) on Sunday 02nd April. The event, being held in collaboration with the El Escorial library, will be open to the public from April 2 to April 9. This exhibition marks the first time that the largest collection of rare Arab artifacts from the El Escorial Library has been displayed outside of Spain.
During the event, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah toured the exhibition, which showcases 14 rare manuscripts from the 13th to 16th centuries. He was briefed on the history, contents, and authors of these rare Arabic manuscripts preserved in Spain. The Royal Palace of Madrid has granted the manuscripts authorization to be publicly displayed in the Emirate for the first time.
The Sharjah Book Authority’s commitment to the Arab cultural movement and fostering intercultural dialogue with European and global cultural hubs is demonstrated through this exhibition. The Authority’s collaborative efforts with cultural and educational institutions, including historical libraries dedicated to preserving ancient manuscripts, aim to facilitate public access to them.
The most precious manuscripts on display include “Kitab al-masalik wa-lmamalik” by Abu Obaid Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad Al-Bakri Al-Andalusi, the oldest item at the exhibition, dating back to the 13th century. Another notable work is “Kitab sarh al-uyun fi sharh risalat Ibn Zaydun” by Jamal al-Din ibn Nabata al-Masri. The exhibition also features various other rare works, including a copy of the Holy Quran (known as Mushaf Moulay Zidane).
Visitors can also witness works such as “Kitab al-Yawahir al-maymua wa-l-nawadir al-masmua” by Muhammad bin Abd al-Rahman al-Sakhawi Shams al-Din, “Kitab sulwan al-muta fi eudwan al’atba” by Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Zafar Al-Makki, and “sharah ‘abhath alqanun” by Aladdin Ali bin Abi Al-Hazm Al-Qurashi, better known as Ibn Al-Nafis.
The inauguration was attended by several prominent figures, including Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, and His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.
The exhibition is open to the public from April 2 to April 9 between 9 pm and 1 am at the Sharjah Book Authority’s headquarters. It provides visitors with a rare opportunity to gain insights into Spain’s rich heritage of Arabic manuscripts and learn about the contributions of Arab scholars to the fields of literature, science, and philosophy.