Al-Qasimi Calls for Development of Azbekiya Wall

By: Ahmed Mohamed Tawfiq, Taarek Refaat

CAIRO, Feb. 5 (SEE)- Love does not require a dragonman, and sincere compassion flow through the pores of the skin to reach directly to the heart, and so did the initiative of his highness ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi and his keenness to revive the human and cultural heritage in Egypt.

Despite the launch of the golden jubilee of the Cairo International Book Fair, the inauguration of the National Library and Archives is once again at the forefront of the cultural events of 2019. The 149 years old "Dar Al-Kottob" is regarded as the national library of Egypt due to its abundance of historical documents and manuscripts that don't only narrate the history of Egypt but, also the story of humanity across ages.

I had the opportunity to witness the inauguration of the renovated library and wander through its corridors amidst its heritage treasures. The exhibition hall looked impressive after restoration, shining in its finest image, in a manner that suits the value of these treasures.

I do not doubt that visitors from all over the globe will visit this valuable place, whether for scientific or touristic purposes.

During the inauguration of "Dar Al-Kottob", I was overwhelmed by the initiative of Al-Qasimi, who recommended the restoration of the "Azbekiya Wall" in its historic location, Pointing out that his initiative was to return the favor to this place, which he has always visited, during his studies in Egypt, to acquire books in the 1960s.

"Azbekiya Wall holds exceptional enlightenment books, which means a lot to scholars and intellectuals throughout the Arab world," Al-Qasimi said, adding that Its maintenance is an obligation.

"They ask me why I love Egypt? And I say, May you know Egypt as I have known it," Al-Qasimi repeated.

I am looking forward to the government's keenness to promote this initiative, especially as it belongs to a man who places Egypt in his heart and culture in his soul.

Al-Qasimi took several initiatives to revive important cultural centers in Egypt, such as the Egyptian Scientific Institute, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in the ancient city of Fustat, and last but not least "Dar Al-Kottob" in Bab al-Khalq.