ICESCO and Bibliotheca Alexandrina Explore Collaborative Efforts to Preserve Heritage

Rabat: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina engaged in discussions aimed at launching joint projects to revive Islamic and human heritage. Their efforts focus on restoring manuscripts and rare books, underscoring the significance of preserving historical texts. According to Qatar News Agency, during the meeting held at ICESCO's headquarters in Rabat, both organizations explored initiatives such as translating historical, intellectual, and Islamic works into multiple languages. They are also considering the launch of a joint reading award to motivate young individuals to engage in reading and to foster a culture of intellectualism. Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, the Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized the value of leveraging the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's expertise in documentation, digital preservation, and heritage collection management. He advocated for strategic partnerships to amplify the accessibility of Islamic and human herita ge to new generations and researchers globally. Prof. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed Hegab, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, highlighted an initiative to condense 1,000 books and encyclopedias, aiming to make knowledge more reachable for young audiences. He elaborated on the library's achievements in awards and programs designed to encourage reading and scientific inquiry over recent years. Prof. Hegab also provided insights into the library's extensive collection, which includes over one million books, more than 600 original historical manuscripts, and approximately 21,000 photographic manuscripts. The library attracts nearly three thousand visitors daily, illustrating its role as a key resource for knowledge and culture.