Exploring Signed Manuscripts in a conference at BA
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Alexandria, 30 March 2005—The Manuscript Center at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) is organizing an international conference, 26-28 April 2005, under the theme of Signed Manuscripts.
The conference seeks to showcase the vast array of rare Arabic manuscripts which bear autographs of eminent figures of Arabic-Islamic heritage. It will explore the following topics: Manuscripts originally written by renowned authors in the history of Arabic heritage; Scholars’ ijazas (comments) in their works or other scholars’ works; The spread of Arabic books by tracing the different sites of their duplication; Original Ma‘ājim al-Šiyūkh, successively signed by their respective authors provided the manuscripts are original and authentic; Identifying the personality and psychological distinction of these renowned figures through their written records, by their original manuscripts, or their signatures (Ijazas, Readings) on the works of other scholars; as well as Correspondences (Rasā’il) of famous figures in the history of Islam.
Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, announced that many Arab and foreign scientists, specialized in heritage research, will participate in the conference. He also added that on the occasion of the conference, BA will launch its first book on signed manuscripts.