Strengthening Islamic Heritage Preservation in Morocco
In a significant move to bolster the preservation of Arabic and Islamic heritage, the King Faisal Research and Islamic Studies Center has entered into a cooperation agreement with Al-Qarawiyyin University, located in the historic city of Fez, Morocco. This agreement was formalized during a visit by His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Chairman of the Center's Board of Directors, to the historic Al-Qarawiyyin Library. This partnership aims to enhance scientific collaboration in the preservation, cataloging, and study of valuable manuscripts that represent the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.
During his visit, Prince Turki bin Faisal toured the Al-Qarawiyyin Library alongside Dr. Amal Jalal, the President of Al-Qarawiyyin University. They explored the library's collection of rare manuscripts and the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore these precious documents. The library stands as one of the most significant educational establishments, having contributed to the preservation of Islamic intellectual heritage for centuries.
Prince Turki emphasized the commitment of the King Faisal Research and Islamic Studies Center to leverage its extensive research expertise to support the Al-Qarawiyyin Library. The Center houses approximately thirty thousand original manuscripts, including the “Chair of Arabic Literature,” which is recognized as the first research chair of its kind in the Arab world. The collaboration seeks to foster joint scientific activities, including the cataloging and study of manuscripts, exchange of expertise in preservation practices, and enhanced awareness of their historical significance.
On the occasion of signing the cooperation agreement, Prince Turki announced the Center's intention to sponsor a project aimed at cataloging uncataloged manuscripts from the Al-Qarawiyyin Library. This initiative will be executed in full coordination with the university, ensuring that researchers have greater access to the library's treasures, thereby opening wider avenues for research, study, and appreciation of its scientific contents. The partnership is poised to enrich both institutions' scholarly activities, ultimately benefiting the wider academic community interested in Arabic and Islamic heritage.
As reported by spa.gov.sa.
