Isles of Illumination: Arab Libraries and Their Legacy
Is there anything more captivating than losing oneself in a library, surrounded by endless imagination, knowledge, and beauty that enrich the soul? It is easy to imagine oneself having imaginary conversations and exchanging witticisms with the creatives of the world – in a gorgeous library, tucked away from the hustle of the city, and surrounded by collections encompassing the breadth of human thought and creativity.
Gorgeous libraries are aplenty across the globe, akin to sparkling stars illuminating the lives of societies with their legendary collections and storied flamboyance that keep the literati and illuminated coming forevermore. Often hailed as the heartbeat of communities, public libraries are celebrated for their stunning architectural marvels, rich historical collections, cutting-edge facilities, and lively atmospheres. In these enchanting realms of knowledge, where stunning architecture dances with breathtaking literary collections and vibrant gardens and cafés bloom and brim with delight, there’s more than mere books adorning the shelves.
For some bibliophiles, appearances do matter when it comes to the world’s most stunning libraries, where beauty beckons beyond the covers of books. To catch a glimpse of these mesmerizing marvels, a sweep through the website of “ArchDaily” reveals numerous architectural gems that blend scholarly reverence and breathtaking interiors, making them must-visit destinations for literary enthusiasts and admirers of the wonders of mankind. Dotted like constellations of a brilliant galaxy, from Shanghai, Tokyo, and Alexandria to Fez, Paris, and Baltimore, libraries have always been regarded as epicenters of illumination.
Over the ages, libraries have evolved into sophisticated symposia for intellectual discovery and boundless creation. Starting from childhood, youngsters are encouraged to explore their local libraries, participating in captivating storytelling sessions, book clubs, and literary workshops that foster a lasting love for reading. Moreover, students and professionals alike heavily depend on library resources for their educational and research pursuits. With the advent of digital technologies, libraries worldwide have expanded their reach, engaging audiences through eBooks, online talks, virtual literary gatherings, literary podcasts, and informative blogs brimming with reading suggestions.
Books, the cornerstone of these sanctuaries, offer enlightenment and understanding, enriching lives and empowering individuals to navigate their lives with wisdom. Sylvia Plath, the American writer, beautifully captures this sentiment, expressing, “I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want… I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life.”
There’s a playful dose of this vision in the bestselling book “The Midnight Library” by English author Matt Haig. Its plot, utterly riveting from the start, tells the tale of Nora Seed, who is burdened by regrets and depression, wishing to end her life short. Upon doing so, she finds herself transported to a wondrous library, standing still between life and death, and is brimming with millions of books, each one a unique journey into a life she could have lived if she had made different choices. Through eye-opening experiences of trying out many lives by delving into different books, Nora learns valuable lessons about happiness, self-acceptance, and the meaning of life. Ultimately, Nora awakens from this reverie and embraces her own life, with a heart full of newfound appreciation for life.
Matt Haig entrances readers with a beautiful quote:
“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices… Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?”
A bibliophile with a wanderlust spirit is sure to be lured by regular visits to these iconic libraries, an experience that is likely to veer on sheer rhapsody, a sort of love letter sent from this reverie. The beauty of libraries is not just in their cherished collections, but also in their architectural splendor, perhaps as a homage to the exquisite reams of imagination and writings within their collections. Additionally, aesthetically pleasing libraries create an inviting ambience that encourages people to linger, explore, and immerse themselves in the abundant resources available to them. Furthermore, beautiful design elevates the overall experience of visiting a library, making it a memorable and transformative odyssey for all who enter its doors.
Visitors can wander through these gorgeous spaces, where stories come to life and dreams take flight on the wings of imagination. In Austria, the “Admont Monastery Library” is a late Baroque gem, completed in 1776. It is the world’s largest monastery library, with over 70,000 volumes and 1,400 ancient manuscripts from the 8th century. Adorned with whimsical frescoes and ornate architecture, its majestic hall boasts forty-eight windows, allowing streams of sunbeams to cascade in, alluding to the power of knowledge in illuminating one’s life. Similarly, the “George Peabody Library” in Baltimore, which opened in 1878, is renowned for its exquisite design reflected in the five tiers of intricately crafted cast-iron balconies soaring dramatically towards a skylight 61 feet above the ground. It also serves as a venue for weddings and celebrations, surrounded by 300,000 volumes of books.
In addition to its arresting beauty, libraries are custodians of cultural heritage, acquiring and curating collections that document the collective civilizational history, with many global institutions owning special collections on the Middle East.
In the heart of Paris, where romance swirls in the air like the pages of a cherished novel, lies the “Bibliothèque nationale de France”, a treasure trove of intellectual rigor and human creativity housing more than 16 million titles. With its majestic architecture, adorned with a touch of whimsy, this sanctuary of learning beckons explorers to lose themselves amidst its labyrinth of shelves. One of its rather fascinating projects is the “Bibliothèques d’Orient” (Libraries of the Middle East), which consolidates specialized archives on the histories, societies, and cultures spanning from Egypt to Iraq and Turkey. Encompassing epochs from antiquity to the mid-20th century, this initiative offers insights into the rich tapestry of the Middle East’s heritage and its dynamic connections with global cultures, including France. Its aisles tease, they whisper and rhapsodize of literary wonders, wanderlust tales, boundless expressions of sheer, gorgeous creativity, contemplation, and reverie.
The Islamic manuscript collection at the “Bodleian Library” at the University of Oxford is a treasure trove of cultural and scholarly riches. During the 17th century, the study of Arabic gained popularity in Europe, drawing scholars to the university and its recently renovated library. By the early 18th century, the “Bodleian Library” had amassed over 1,500 Arabic manuscripts, catering to this intellectual trend. Today, the library boasts an impressive collection of around 2,350 Arabic manuscripts, with notable concentrations in areas like science, mathematics, and medicine.
Its esteemed collections include a copy of the first book printed with Arabic movable type in 1514 and several first editions of Arabic works printed by the Italian Medici Press at the close of the 15th century. The inaugural official printing press for Arabic type was established in Constantinople by Ibrahim Muteferrika, who printed a series of seventeen works between 1729 and 1742. The library holds originals of all but one of these works. Furthermore, the library also houses a remarkable and recently unearthed “Book of Curiosities”, a late 12th or early 13th century Arabic manuscript featuring a collection of rare maps and astronomical diagrams. Another fascinating acquisition from the early 19th century is the seven-volume set of the “Arabian Nights”, originally acquired by Edward Wortley Montague – British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire – from Egypt and later purchased by the library in 1802.
The “Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library” at Yale University houses an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, attracting scholars, artists, and critics worldwide. Here, you’ll find not just books but the echoes of centuries past, preserved in its notable vast collection of manuscripts and prints. It serves as the primary repository for pre-1800 books, early North American prints, pre-1851 US newspapers, and various manuscripts and printed materials from the Middle and Near Asia, Japan, China, and Korea. Its collections include ancient papyri, medieval manuscripts, modern writers’ papers, artists’ books, photographs, avant-garde works, and digital materials. Annually, it acquires between 10,000 and 15,000 books, 1,200 feet of archival materials, and 3,000 manuscripts, with over 1 million images accessible through its Digital Library.
Imagine stepping into a world where history whispers from every corner, where books are not just words on paper but gateways to different realms. The historic “Al-Qarawiyyin Library” in Fez, Morocco is the world’s oldest continuously operating library. Established in 859, its founder, the pioneering and benevolent Fatima al-Fihri, was born into a wealthy merchant family in Qayrawan, Tunisia, and received a robust education alongside her sister Mariam. In the early 9th century, the family migrated to Fez, Morocco, with other families seeking new opportunities. Following the deaths of many male relatives, the sisters inherited a substantial fortune. Instead of squandering it, they chose to invest in their community. Influenced by their deep respect for education instilled by their family, Al Fihri dedicated her resources and efforts to establish an educational institution.
Initially focusing on religious education, the “madrasa” expanded into various fields, including linguistics, grammar, law, music, medicine, and astronomy. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the library flourished under the Marinid dynasty in 1359, amassing over 20,000 handwritten books from the early Middle Ages alongside its 4,000 rare texts and ancient manuscripts dating to the 9th century. The air here carries the scent of aged parchment and a touch of stardust, reminiscent of the eras and epochs of human exploration. Among its prized possessions is a 9th century Quran inscribed on leather in Kufic calligraphy, a script prevalent from the 7th to 11th centuries.
Over time, many scholars enthusiastically embraced the place as a prestigious educational institution, nurturing distinguished alumni, such as the 12th century Andalusian scholar Ibn al-Arabi, the 14th century historian and economist Ibn Khaldun, 10th century Pope Sylvester II, theologian Ibn al-Haj al-Abdari, and the 16th century traveler and author Leo Africanus.
The fabled “Great Library of Alexandria” reminds us of the enduring power of curiosity and the boundless expanse of human imagination. Daydreams start fluttering when we recount this unique library, which was once a central sanctuary for scholars far and wide. Nestled on the shores of Alexandria, this ancient library was known far and wide as an illustrious center of learning. Established under the patronage of Egypt’s Ptolemaic Dynasty, the Great Library of Alexandria rose to unparalleled heights between 323 and 145 BCE, beckoning scholars and sages from the far corners of the Mediterranean.
Housed within the grandeur of the Mouseion—a sanctuary dedicated to the Muses—the library became the pulsating heart of intellectual discourse and discovery. Legends persist about its vast collection, rumored to contain a remarkable 500,000 works covering every imaginable subject, showcasing the library’s unmatched commitment to knowledge.
Legendary tales abound regarding the Ptolemies’ relentless pursuit of books. In one account, book agents were said to inspect every ship arriving at Alexandria’s harbor. Should a book be discovered, it was brought to the library for consideration: either to be returned or confiscated and replaced with a duplicate crafted on-site, with suitable compensation provided to the owner. In another account, reported by Galen in his writings on Hippocrates, Ptolemy III orchestrated the acquisition of original texts by renowned dramatic poets Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. These valuable works were held in the Athenian state archives and were strictly prohibited from being loaned out. Nevertheless, the king managed to persuade Athens’ governors to grant him permission to borrow the texts for the purpose of copying them.
Many scholars made the library their abode. Callimachus of Cyrene, a poet and scholar from the 3rd century BCE, revolutionized literary styles and pioneered the systematic cataloging of the Library of Alexandria’s extensive holdings, marking a significant milestone in the organization of knowledge. Eratosthenes was a Greek luminary in the fields of astronomy, geography, mathematics, and literature during the 3rd century BCE. Appointed by Ptolemy III as the library’s head curator, Euergetes spent the remainder of his life in Alexandria, where he authored his most influential works and advanced his pioneering research concerning the measurement of the Earth’s circumference.
Descriptions of its splendid halls are scattered across the sands of time, but it has been said that the complex housed not only a vast array of texts, but also a lively academic nucleus, akin to a modern-day university. Furthermore, many seminal Greek and Roman texts were written in this bustling birthplace, shaping scholarly discourse centuries on.
Scarcely a trace of this magnificent library lingers today, overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of modern-day Alexandria. Yet, even in the midst of its destruction, fragments of the library’s extensive collection endure, scattered across the globe like wistful whispers of its former glory. There is much debate by historians on the enigmatic demise of the library and how it has perished. Yet, there is no contention that its dramatic loss has dealt a grievous blow to our comprehension of ancient civilizations, leaving behind a void in our history.
From this longing came the vision of rebirthing this ancient institution, in the form of the modern-day “Bibliotheca Alexandrina”, unveiled in 2002 as a tribute to the legacy of the ancient library. The library stands majestically along Alexandria’s ancient harbor, gracing the historic center of the city with whispers of its magnificence. This 11-storey building is designed to house between 4 to 8 million volumes of books. Beyond its traditional role as a library, this cultural landmark also houses a planetarium, multiple museums, permanent exhibition spaces, a school for information science, and conservation labs.
At the heart of the “Bibliotheca Alexandrina” lie its labyrinth of libraries, each serving as vibrant hubs for knowledge seekers. Alongside the main library that holds up to 2,000 readers, therein lie six additional specialized libraries, each opening up worlds of discovery and imagination.
The Arts and Multimedia Library boasts a diverse collection of print and audiovisual materials on the arts, including books, musical scores, periodicals, movies, documentaries, educational programs, and language learning resources. It also hosts workshops, seminars, and monthly programs featuring films and plays. On the other hand, the Children’s Library offers educational, recreational, and cultural resources for kids aged 6 to 11. With a diverse collection of books, multimedia materials, and activities, it aims to enhance children’s reading, research, and creativity skills. It also features reading areas, a computer lab, activity rooms, and special sections for children with disabilities. Daily activities like storytelling, puppet shows, and arts and crafts engage young minds, while monthly events and lectures cater to parents and those interested in childhood topics.
For history lovers, the Rare Books section is a treasure trove housing over 15,000 rare books, including maps and special collections, with the oldest dating back to 1496. Additionally, it holds 700 periodicals (54,000 issues) and 66,000 books from special collections. On the other hand, the Francophone Library was conceptualized following a generous book donation from the “Bibliothèque nationale de France”, which included 500,000 French books covering various fields, published from 1996 to 2006. Consequently, the Francophone Library became the world’s fourth-largest French-language library, boasting the largest collection of French books outside of France.
For many centuries, Baghdad stood as one of the globe’s most opulent and intellectually vibrant cities, its wealth extending beyond imagination. For roughly 500 years, it served as a beacon of intellectualism and culture, hosting the renowned “House of Wisdom” for two centuries. This esteemed academy drew scholars from distant lands and fostered groundbreaking research, discussions, and debates across various disciplines, including mathematics, astronomy, geography, cartography, chemistry, medicine, and zoology, making it a pivotal hub of learning in Muslim civilization.
It has been said that every day in the “House of Wisdom” was a cacophonous assembly of translators, scientists, scribes, and intellectuals convening for translation, reading, writing, and spirited discourse. This bustling hub of intellectual exchange witnessed the translation of countless manuscripts and books across various scientific disciplines, philosophies, and languages. Legend has it that the Caliph Al Ma’mun incentivized translators and scholars to expand the library by rewarding them with gold equivalent to the weight of each completed book.
Under Harun Al Rashid’s reign (786–809), both the “House of Wisdom” and Baghdad flourished, buoyed by the caliph’s abundant wealth from empire-wide tributes. Support for the arts and sciences flowed not only from the caliphs but also from the viziers and other court members.
The opulence of Baghdad during this era is immortalized in “The Thousand and One Nights”, where many stories revel in the city’s beauty, the palace’s breathtaking magnificence, and the Caliph’s generosity. In fact, upon reading the riveting “Ladies of Baghdad” stories, readers are immediately entranced by the city’s rich cultural scene. This extract from the story emphasizes the reverence for books by society:
“The Kaleefeh was astonished at this story, and ordered it to be recorded in a book, as an authentic history, and deposited the book in his library.”
People from diverse backgrounds across the Muslim world, regardless of gender, faith, or ethnicity, were drawn to the halls of the “House of Wisdom”. Among its esteemed scholars were Al-Kindi, championing the translation of Aristotle’s works, and Hunayn ibn Ishaq, renowned for translating Hippocrates’ writings.
Nevertheless, the significance of the royal library in advancing global scholarship was paramount. It not only exemplified the esteem placed upon knowledge within the Abbasid caliphate but also inspired affluent individuals to establish their own prestigious private collections of books. Competing dynasties, eager to attract the most innovative minds of the Islamic world, constructed their own magnificent libraries. For instance, the library of Al-Ḥakam II, the Caliph of Cordoba, is said to have contained over 400,000 books, elevating the city to the status of the “ornament of the world”.
From international book fairs and reading campaigns to museums and film festivals, these are the masterpieces in Sharjah that are inspiring the next generation and bolstering the city’s creative scene to much flair. The reimagined “House of Wisdom” emerges as an era-defining cultural hotspot of learning, designed to weave and unleash the creativity within people through culture-infused interactions and experiences. With its innovative design and vast array of programs, it serves as a nexus for visitors to pursue their love of the arts through the many avenues of education and entertainment.
Commissioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the “House of Wisdom” stands as an added jewel to Sharjah’s UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 crown. The project leaders have enlisted the acclaimed Foster + Partners architects, sprucing up the concept with a modern building where walls of glass emit a gorgeous luminescence, inviting golden rays to shed light within. A massive structure, sprawling over 12,000 square meters, blends seamlessly with verdant gardens and outdoor spaces, and boasts a collection of over 100,000 books.
Visitors are welcomed into a reception hub and, like pages unfolding from a whimsical tale, they are led to the expansive exhibition spaces, a café, and a sanctuary of childhood wonder on the ground floor. Tucked within this space, stands the marvelous Espresso Book Machine, a marvel of enchantment that weaves dreams into reality, printing books on-demand with a flick of its magical buttons. The lush courtyard garden beckons visitors with its mystical lushness, encouraging contemplative reading of the treasures that are found on the library’s shelves. It feels as if solace and adventure waltz and readers find that time drifts gently, like the rustling pages of a well-loved book.
Celebrating an enduring connection with nature, the landscape features a knowledge garden and children’s playground to the south, complemented by a geometrically arranged garden to the north. The library overlooks a Japanese-style garden, showcasing a collection of 331 trees – including fig, ghaf, and palm trees – and a magnificent white sculpture by British sculptor Gerry Judah, alluding to the ancient Arabic scroll.
As the UNESCO’s World Book Capital, the city of Sharjah has defied traditional library roles and instead, paved a new pathway for how modern libraries should function, integrating innovation, technology, and community engagement. Just like its predecessor, it is a sweet remembrance of the longing of our cultured spirits for such sophisticated spaces.
Nearby, the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library” in Dubai epitomizes the Emirate’s commitment to fashioning a knowledge-based society. Crafted in the likeness of a rehl, the iconic wooden book rest cradling the Quran, the library stands majestically overlooking the Dubai Creek. Spanning seven floors, this architectural wonder is one of Dubai’s fabulous cultural endeavors, envisioned as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and creativity. With a resolute mission to amass a treasure trove of millions of books from every corner of the globe, the library team aspires to design it as a haven for boundless exploration and intellectual enrichment.
Boasting a vast collection of books, digital resources, and interactive learning experiences, the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library” is more than just a repository of information; it is a dynamic space where ideas flourish, creativity thrives, and the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds. The multi-purpose complex contains exhibition spaces, reading spaces, study rooms, an amphitheater, a theatre, and a bustling café. The library encompasses a diverse array of ten primary library collections, each tailored to serve distinct interests and age groups: The General Library, Young Adult Library, Children’s Library, Information Centre, Map and Atlas Library, Media and Arts Library, Business Library, Emirates Library, Periodicals Library, and a Special Collections Library. A dedicated digitization lab works tirelessly to digitize antiquarian and rare works, which widens accessibility for inquisitive scholars and students.
Overlooking the creek lays the Languages Garden, which pays homage to the vision of its founder, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Adorned with 60 pillars, the garden showcases his profound insights on leadership, governance, nation-building, and the pursuit of knowledge, translated into over 170 modern and ancient languages from around the world. Each pillar proudly displays the quotes in both Arabic and English, serving as a testament to the library’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
In Abu Dhabi, the “Qasr Al Watan” graces the skyline, its astounding architecture paying homage to the beauty and artistry of Arabian heritage and casting a spell of awe upon all who behold its majestic presence. Within the magnificent palace lies the “Qasr Al Watan Library”, showcasing a diverse collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents that preserve the rich heritage and intellectual legacy of the UAE. With its opulent surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities, the library serves as a hub for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. Its treasury of 50,000 volumes, meticulously amassed over 35 years, encapsulates the essence of Arab scholarship through the ages and encompasses a diverse spectrum of subjects, including history, the arts, humanities, socio-economic evolution, memoirs, and governance.
Nearby, the “House of Knowledge” exhibition showcases a trove of invaluable artifacts and manuscripts demonstrating the Arab region’s pivotal contributions to astronomy, science, art, literature, and beyond. Within its halls lies a replica of the Birmingham Quran manuscript, dating back to the late 6th or early 7th century CE, in addition to a copy of The Bible and the Psalms of David. Among its treasures, visitors can discover the first modern and precise map of the Arabian Peninsula, crafted in 1561 by Venetian cartographer Giacomo Gastaldi, alongside ancient manuscripts like the Atlas astronomy manuscript, the legal tome Explanation of Lamiat Al-Zukak, and Pliny’s revered Natural History encyclopedia.
There is a real sense of being tucked away in each of these beautiful libraries, with time at a standstill, in reverence to the great masters of the written word. Arab libraries have amassed repositories of the world’s wisdom, contributing to global intellectual advancement and enlightenment throughout the centuries. They are nothing short of sanctuaries of illumination, leaving a trail of enchantment long after you leave their spaces.
Published in Shawati Magazine.