The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has become a centre of attraction with the display of a 10th-century Holy Quran, a remarkable relic from the 3rd century of the Islamic calendar. Transcribed in Kufic script on gazelle parchment, this Quran exemplifies the historical richness of Islamic scholarship. Hosted by the House of Wisdom, Sharjah’s premier cultural institution, the exhibit celebrates Morocco as this year’s guest of honour and includes digitised treasures from the legendary Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, emphasising the depth of Islamic intellectual heritage.
Visitors are also treated to a virtual reality (VR) journey through the history of Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded by Fatima bint Muhammad Al-Fihriya. This immersive experience showcases the world’s oldest continuously operating university and its dual role as a mosque and academic hub, revealing the splendour of Andalusian-Moroccan architecture. Syrian expat Samer Al Jandali expressed his awe, calling the chance to see the 10th-century Quran and other manuscripts “a golden opportunity to connect with history and heritage.”
Among other notable artefacts is the first known photograph of a UAE sheikh, dating to 1903, displayed by Antiquariat INLIBRIS. These exhibits celebrate the cultural and religious past while affirming the importance of safeguarding these treasures as symbols of justice, continuity, and reminders of the enduring legacy of Islamic and Arab contributions to world culture.
