HoW shines light on enduring legacy of Al-Qarawiyyin Uni. at SIBF

The HoW’s booth at SIBF 2024 is divided into three distinct sections, each exploring a different aspect of Al-Qarawiyyin’s heritage, offering an immersive experience for all ages to engage with the university’s unique role in preserving and sharing knowledge across generations.

The Al-Qarawiyyin library

The journey begins in the Al-Qarawiyyin Library — a section devoted to one of the Arab world’s oldest libraries, famed for its collection of rare manuscripts. Here, visitors can view digital replicas of treasured manuscripts that trace back hundreds of years. Among them is a 3rd-century AH Holy Quran, meticulously written in large Kufic script on deer parchment, an ancient Andalusian translation of the Bible into Arabic, and a manuscript of Kitab al-Siyar by Abu Ishaq al-Fazari, dating to the same period. A highlight is a copy of Ibn Khaldun’s Kitāb Al-Ibar wa-dīwān Al-mubtadaʾ Wa-ăl-ḫabar, which UNESCO recognises as part of world heritage, alongside Aristotle’s Book of Ethics, and Abu Ishaq's Book of Expeditions.

It also includes a comprehensive catalogue of Al-Qarawiyyin’s manuscripts on loan from the House of Manuscripts in Sharjah, offering visitors an overview of the library’s extensive collection. The library’s manuscripts underscore Al-Qarawiyyin’s enduring commitment to scholarship and the preservation of knowledge over twelve centuries.

Digital displays on the university’s heritage

In the second section, visitors find digital displays that explore Al-Qarawiyyin’s transformation from a mosque to a university in the 9th century AD, offering a deep dive into the lives of its most influential scholars, including Ibn Khaldun, Averroes, Ibn Hazm, and Al-Idrisi. Visitors can learn about the university’s historic water clock, symbolising its innovative spirit and architectural heritage.

The digital displays offer a virtual window into Al-Qarawiyyin’s architectural evolution, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stories of those who contributed to its rich intellectual landscape. This section serves as a bridge, connecting the university’s early days with its ongoing legacy in education and culture.

VR exploration

The third section provides a virtual reality experience created in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Saudi Arabia. Through VR headsets, visitors can explore Al-Qarawiyyin’s distinctive Islamic architecture, including its iconic green domes, intricately carved wooden mihrab, and the central courtyard fountain. The partially open ceiling of the university’s main courtyard creates a visually stunning moment, inviting viewers to experience the serenity of Al-Qarawiyyin’s spaces.

Reading corner and youth engagement

A quiet reading corner rounds out the experience, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with the historical setting. For younger visitors, a creative space is provided to reimagine classic book covers in collaboration with ‘Sharjah Brand’.

Honouring a legacy of knowledge

Marwa Al Aqroubi, HoW Executive Director, sees this exhibit as a celebration of the enduring cultural legacy of the Arab and Islamic world, saying: “Celebrating iconic cultural and intellectual institutions that have shaped Arab and Islamic civilisation is central to our mission. By honouring Morocco as this year’s Guest of Honour, we spotlight Al-Qarawiyyin University’s profound impact. It has been a beacon of learning for over twelve centuries, drawing scholars and students worldwide.”

Specialised workshop on manuscript restoration

In conjunction with SIBF, HoW is also hosting a three-day workshop on manuscript preservation, led by Dr. Sabah Al-Bazi, Head of Conservation at Al-Qarawiyyin Library, in partnership with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. This specialised workshop covers core restoration practices, from identifying factors that affect the manuscript to techniques essential for preservation.