Ancient Wisdom Unveiled: McGill Libraries and Abu Dhabi Forge Historic Partnership to Showcase Islamic Manuscripts

A landmark collaboration between McGill University Library and Archives and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is bringing to light an extraordinary collection of ancient Islamic manuscripts. This ambitious partnership, formalized through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding, aims to exhibit these invaluable texts, offering a unique window into centuries of Islamic scholarship, science, and art.

The initiative was proudly launched with a special event at the Abu Dhabi National Library, featuring a selection of rare manuscripts from McGill’s Islamic collection.

These historical treasures, some dating back nearly a millennium, are celebrated not just for their age but for their profound intellectual and cultural significance. They encompass a vast array of subjects, from astronomy and medicine to poetry and philosophy, demonstrating the breadth and depth of Islamic civilization's contributions to human knowledge.

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Richard Virr, a distinguished specialist in Islamic Studies at McGill Library, underscored the importance of these manuscripts as vital sources for understanding the intellectual heritage of the Islamic world. He highlighted McGill’s extensive collection, which includes texts from major scholarly centers like Egypt, Damascus, Iran, and India, reflecting a rich tapestry of regional intellectual traditions.

The partnership extends beyond mere exhibition.

It encompasses critical efforts in preservation, conservation, and digitization, ensuring that these delicate artifacts are protected for future generations and made accessible to a global audience. The digitization component is particularly vital, allowing researchers and enthusiasts worldwide to explore these texts without geographical barriers, thus fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture and history.

Fatema Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of the Library Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasized that this collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment to preserving and promoting human heritage.

She noted the joint effort to create educational programs and cultural exchanges, enriching public engagement with these historical documents.

McGill Library has long been a steward of significant Middle East and Islamic Studies collections, with manuscripts acquired through various donations and purchases over more than a century.

The collection boasts approximately 2,200 codices, scrolls, and individual leaves, representing a rich cross-section of Islamic scholarly output. This new partnership with Abu Dhabi provides an unparalleled platform to showcase this heritage on an international stage, fostering cultural diplomacy and academic exchange.

The exhibition in Abu Dhabi is more than just a display of old books; it is a bridge between past and present, between cultures and continents.

It is an invitation to explore the profound insights, artistic beauty, and scientific advancements preserved within these ancient pages, reminding us of the enduring power of knowledge and the universal human quest for understanding.