An Egyptian manuscript over 500 years old is being showcased at the Al-Azhar Pavilion during the Alexandria International Book Fair. The manuscript, titled "Nashq Al-Azhar fi Aja'ib Al-Aqtar," was written by the scholar Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Iyass Al-Hanafi, and it discusses the news of Egypt, its borders, names, and its wonders. The author highlights Egypt's virtues, stating that "Allah Almighty mentioned it in His holy book as well as in the pure prophetic traditions, due to its significance and pivotal role throughout time and history."
The manuscript provides insights into the morals, temperaments, and natures of the people of Egypt, noting how the climate plays a significant role in shaping their characteristics, with those from the north differing from those in the south. In describing the wonders of Egypt, it references Al-Qudai's assertion that "there are thirty wonders in the world, twenty of which are in Egypt," including the pyramids, the Sphinx, and other sites that may or may not currently exist.
Mahmoud Abdel Wahab, the curator of the manuscript museum at the Al-Azhar Pavilion, noted that "the Al-Azhar Library is rich in many original and rare manuscripts as well as early publications, containing more than 55,000 manuscripts and over 300,000 printed works, in addition to rare historical documents."
The pavilion features seven sections: fatwas, the Noor magazine, art exhibits, the House of Zakat and Charity, a book sales outlet, Arabic calligraphy, along with the manuscript museum. It also allows visitors to write their names and conducts training sessions on the basics of various forms of Arabic calligraphy, including workshops for both children and adults. Moreover, it introduces trainees to locations for learning Arabic calligraphy in Egypt, as well as online resources to help master the art.
The Al-Azhar Pavilion is located at the Alexandria International Book Fair near the celestial dome at the Alexandria Library, encompassing a large area that hosts its diverse sections and original, innovative publications.
