Promises to Donate Original Manuscripts of Rare Documents to
Egyptian National Archives
Sharjah-UAE: 20 December, 2011- His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al
Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, today pledged to rebuild the
Scientific Complex in Cairo that was partially destroyed by fire during the recent riots.
His Highness also pledged to donate rare manuscripts, maps, and a book titled “Describing
Egypt” to the National Archives of Egypt that were burnt earlier this week during the riots.
The announcements came during His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s address on Dream 2 TV
Channel last night, when he expressed his anguish on the riots in Egypt and the subsequent
damage to national monuments of global standing.
His Highness added: “The Scientific Complex and the National Archives are monuments
that represent the cultural heritage of Egypt. They serve to play an important part not just in
chronicling the country’s rich history, but also as a rich resource of information for generations to
come. It is our responsibility to restore these pillars of knowledge to their former glory.
“The gesture to rebuild the Scientific Complex and donate original manuscripts from my
personal library is in acknowledgement of the relationship Sharjah has shared with Egypt. I
recall a visit of an Egyptian delegation in 1954 that helped us lay the foundations of higher
learning in Sharjah. Our gratitude for that knowledge exchange cannot be quantified. We also
cannot forget Egypt’s crucial support to Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War. Through our offer
to rebuild and restore the country’s monuments, we hope to express our appreciation for the
continued synergy we share.”
During his interview, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi offered insight
into the documents that have been destroyed in last week’s fire. These include the original
manuscripts of journals that were printed in 1860 as well as maps from the private collection of
Prince Youssef Kamal, a descendant of Mohamed Ali of the Ottoman dynasty. The rarity of the
books is authenticated by the fact that a portion of them are only found in the Madrid National
Library in Spain.
His Highness said: “I have authorized a team to draw up a list of books that were destroyed.
During the period that the complex is getting restored, I will make sure that these books are
sourced from my Grand Library and donated to the Egyptian archives. I have also directed
a team to ensure that no books in the archives are exposed to pilferage and are kept in safe
hands. Work on the restoration of the Scientific Complex is anticipated to be completed early
next year.”
The Egyptian government has granted land behind the Scientific Complex in Ain El Sira that
will be used for the construction of a resource house for stocking parliamentary and municipal
documents in safe custody.
About Sharjah Media Centre
The Centre represents the main link between the Government of Sharjah and the media on a local, regional and
international level. It provides journalists, broadcasters or any other media professionals the opportunity to join as
members and benefit from a unique position which allows them a direct and active dialogue with Sharjah’s People
and Government officials.
Sharjah Media Centre was established by the Amiri Decree No. 5, 2011, issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan
bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The Centre’s role can be
summarized by saying that it is the voice with which the Emirate of Sharjah addresses the world.
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