مكتبة الأزهر, Public library in Cairo, Egypt
The Al-Azhar Library is a public library in Cairo occupying a fourteen-story building located in the Khalideen Garden area. It houses large collections of manuscripts, books, and Islamic texts organized across multiple floors with research facilities throughout.
The library was founded in 1897 under the direction of Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, beginning with approximately 7,700 books gathered from various mosques. This initial collection formed the foundation for its later growth as an important center for Islamic texts and manuscripts.
The collection displays handwritten Qurans in different scripts like Kufic, Thuluth, and Persian calligraphy, showing visitors the development of Islamic writing traditions. These works are visible throughout the library and convey the deep craftsmanship behind this artistic practice.
The building offers good access with individual study areas and electronic services designed to meet different visitor needs. Take time to explore the collections spread across multiple floors, as the building size and layout benefit from a planned approach to navigation.
The collection preserves Quranic manuscripts from different centuries, including copies from the 11th, 12th, and 15th centuries that show various developments in writing practice. These works separated by time allow visitors to trace changes in style and technique across long periods.
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