Sheikh Sultan opens ‘Tales from the East’ exhibition
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Tuesday, opened ‘Tales from the East’ exhibition, which is organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). panel discussions, where renowned history and archaeology experts will discuss the role of manuscripts in unveiling humankind’s scientific and cultural achievements, and the importance of their preservation for future generations.
On display at the ‘Tales from the East’ exhibition is the first edition and first issue of the Description of Egypt, comprising 23 volumes and illustrated with 935 plates, put together through a collaboration between scientists, artists, and technicians who followed Napoleon Bonaparte to Egypt.
Visitors can also view the first edition of Katib Celebi’s masterpiece, The Mirror of the World, published in Constantinople by Ibrahim Muteferrika in 1732 and illustrated with 40 coloured maps and plates, including the famous map of the Arabian peninsula drawn by Ahmed Al-qirimi. It also contains astrological models of the universe, climate and wind maps, and other elements.
The exhibition also showcases Journey to Persia, a book penned by orientalist Adrien Dupre and published in 1819, documenting his travels through Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, Turkey, Armenia and Persia.
The exhibition also features globes from the 17th to the 20th centuries, including an exceptional and rare pair of terrestrial and celestial 49cm colured parquet globes by Mataheus Greuter, released in Roma in 1632 and 1636.
A large collection of antique posters, illustrated books and atlases, and a host of rare manuscripts are also showcased at the exhibition.
Dr Sheikh Sultan announced the Emirates Writers Union and the Emirates Publishers Association will have their own dedicated building near the Expo Centre, Sharjah.
This came as he addressed a meeting for the two unions at the headquarters of the Sharjah Book Authority.
He added that the new building would provide a conducive environment for the two organisations to best perform their tasks and responsibilities towards promoting the cultural learning and developing the skills of Emirati writers and publishers.
The members of the unions commended the initiative of the Sharjah Ruler and his constant support for culture in the UAE.