Twelve historical manuscripts reveal centuries of scholarship at SIBF 2026

Twelve historical manuscripts displayed by United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) are offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of scholarship and the ways knowledge was recorded and preserved.

Covering subjects including medicine, law and theology, the manuscripts provide an opportunity to encounter historical texts firsthand and explore the intellectual traditions they represent.

For Hamda Al Shamsi, a library specialist at UAEU, presenting the manuscripts at SIBF is an opportunity to bring the university's collection closer to the public and introduce visitors to the historical value of these works.

“Books are not only sources of information; they are also witnesses to the periods in which they were produced. These manuscripts allow visitors to encounter the history of knowledge through the original written works, and to appreciate how ideas and scholarship have been passed from one generation to another,” Al Shamsi said.

The collection reflects the range of subjects that occupied scholars and readers in earlier times, from medical knowledge to questions of law and religious thought.

For visitors, the appeal lies not only in the subjects covered but also in seeing how knowledge was documented before modern printing and digital publishing.

Historical manuscripts preserve distinctive features of their production, including handwriting, textual arrangement and the materials used to create them.

The display also highlights the role of academic institutions in collecting, documenting and safeguarding historical materials for research and public engagement.

Al Shamsi noted that the manuscripts have prompted visitors to ask about their age, content and historical significance.

“Many visitors are interested in learning how old the manuscripts are and what they tell us about the knowledge of their time. Some are particularly drawn to the range of subjects represented, while others are curious about how these works have survived for so many centuries. These conversations are valuable because they allow visitors to connect with history in a direct and personal way,” she said.

By bringing historical scholarship into a public cultural setting, the UAEU display connects the fair's contemporary literary programme with the region's long history of reading, research and intellectual exchange.

It also introduces younger generations to the importance of preserving manuscripts, not only as historical objects but as sources of knowledge that remain valuable for understanding the past.

“Taking part in SIBF allows us to share part of the university's collection with people from different backgrounds and age groups. We hope that visitors will leave with a greater appreciation of manuscripts and an understanding that preserving these works means protecting an important part of our intellectual and cultural heritage,” Al Shamsi said.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Made of Stories,” with the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour. The fair brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 guests from 25 countries.