Artisans display traditional craft of bookbinding, gilding at SHD

Sharjah 24: Upon entering the renowned Hussein Abdel Zaher Egyptian Library, one of the most distinguished Arabic libraries specialising in traditional bookbinding and gilding, visitors are immediately captivated by a display of book gilding tools, handcrafted copper and lead letters, and other essential instruments of the trade.

As part of Sharjah Heritage Days, the library offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the meticulous craft of manual bookbinding and gilding, which continues to rival even the finest modern machinery with its precision and craftsmanship.

The legacy of Hussein Abdel Zaher Library

Speaking about the library’s origins, Hussein Abdel Zaher, the heir to this craft, shares: "The library was founded in 1936, tracing its roots back to the 18th century when this craft was practiced manually. Over the years, generations of artisans have contributed to its legacy. However, due to technological advancements in printing and binding, this art has gradually declined, and skilled manual bookbinders have become increasingly rare. The precision and patience required for this craft make it a challenging profession, yet it remains deeply connected to heritage, culture, and family history, which is why we remain committed to preserving it for future generations. In 1988, the craft was further developed to meet evolving needs."

The importance of traditional bookbinding and gilding

Hussein Abdel Zaher highlights that bookbinding, which primarily relies on leather, extends beyond mere binding—it also involves covering, gilding, and engraving book titles and authors' names in fine calligraphy on book covers and spines. Additionally, the library is not limited to modern books; it plays a crucial role in preserving ancient manuscripts, undertaking cleaning, restoration, and conservation processes to ensure their longevity and accessibility to researchers and scholars.

Advanced techniques in bookbinding

At Sharjah Heritage Days, the Hussein Abdel Zaher Library exhibit showcases a collection of handcrafted books and introduces visitors to the traditional paper burnishing technique (Taqheer). This process involves smoothing and refining rough paper to make it suitable for calligraphy and fine writing. The same technique is used to create paper that mimics ancient manuscripts and papyrus, making it ideal for artistic and aesthetic purposes, such as specialised sketchbooks for artists.

The library’s place in heritage preservation

This generational mastery of the craft, passed down from father to son, has positioned Hussein Abdel Zaher Library as one of the most prestigious institutions specialising in traditional bookbinding and gilding. It has been entrusted with the restoration of some of the most significant heritage books, including those on religion, history, classical interpretations, and cultural heritage. To this day, the library continues to receive requests for binding and gilding books of great historical, documentary, and cultural significance.