Rare manuscript, previously lent to Oman, returns to Al-Assad Library in Damascus

Damascus- Al-Assad National Library has recovered its valuable manuscript entitled “Kitab al-Fawa’id fi‘ilm al-Bahr wa al-Qawa’id” (Collection of Manuscripts of Benefits in the Science of the Sea and Rules And the abbreviation container in the origins of marine science and Arajiz), written by Ahmed bin Majid as-Saady, after four years of being lent to Oman.

The manuscript of the Arabian sailor bin Majid has been lent to the Omani side since 2019 at its request for restoration purpose and later for displaying it at the National Museum of Oman. It is a unique manuscript, and the period of its lending to Oman was extended so that the largest possible number of visitors and Omani citizens can see it.

“Al-Assad National Library concluded its activities for this year with the return of this rare manuscript which dates back to the 16th century AD”, Director General of the Al-Assad Library Fadi Ghanem said in a statement to SANA, pointing out that this manuscript is one of the library’s precious holdings

The manuscript is the oldest one by Ahmad bin Majid in the world and one of the most important books that became famous among the Arabs. It contains a collection of Arajiz (poems) in marine science.

Hamda Mustafa