Arabic manuscripts on display at Bahrain National Museum

Manama : A  rare exhibition of Arabic manuscripts is being held at the Bahrain National Museum in Manama. The exhibit opened to the public on April 5, and will be open daily from 8am to 8pm until May 4. Tickets cost BD1 per person. 

The collection on display features some remarkable and beautifully embellished manuscripts that are being showcased publicly for the first time in celebration of “Manuscript Day”.

Arabic manuscripts reflect the magnificence of Arab civilisation and its significant cultural achievements in the assorted fields of knowledge. On show is a Holy Quran dating back to 1215 AH / 1800 AD as well as “A Book of Wit and Wisdom” by Abdulla Bin Faras Al Tazi. 

In addition to translating and binding foreign resources, Arabs historically also engaged in recording via calligraphy. Their intellectual legacy resulted in thousands of stunning, original and reproduced books. 

The libraries in Bahrain, like those found in other Arab countries, contained prized collections of rare manuscripts transported to the island by individuals, who were receiving their Islamic education abroad in countries such as Hajaz, Al-Ahsa, Iraq, Egypt, Syrian and Iran. 

Also included are titles on Arab poetry and literature, history, biographies, astronomy, medicine, chemistry and grammar, among many others. 

These books are now available for everyone to marvel at and enjoy, although touching them, obviously, because of their delicateness, is strictly forbidden. They are kept in glass cabinets and each book is listed with the date, name of the author and calligrapher.

“It is an enjoyable exhibit and worth visiting. I am halfway through a cruise, and I have come here today with the rest of the people on my tour bus. I am glad I visited,” said a German tourist.

All interested people are invited to visit and relish in this unusual opportunity to get a closer look at Arab manuscripts.  Call 1729 8718 for more details.