The Portuguese Documents Tell the History of the Region
The Portuguese documents tell the history of the region serve as an important platform for understanding the historical and cultural relationships between Portugal and the Middle Eastern countries. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, visited the Portuguese National Archive in Lisbon, where a wide range of documents highlighting significant historical periods were showcased. These documents represent a historical treasure that contributes to documenting the events and facts that shaped the shared history among peoples.
Historic Visit
During the visit, His Highness was welcomed by several prominent figures, including Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, the UAE Ambassador to Portugal, and Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, the CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority. His Highness expressed his happiness to be at the archive, recalling his previous visit in 1982, and emphasizing the importance of the Portuguese documents that tell the history of the region.
Important Publications
His Highness referred to his efforts in collecting documents, particularly his well-known book “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in the Chronicles from 1497 to 1757”, which comprises 21 volumes. He also mentioned his upcoming book “The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean”, which will include 25 volumes and offer a comprehensive review of the history of the Portuguese in India and East Africa. His Highness affirmed that the Portuguese documents tell the history of the region by documenting the cooperation between major powers during those periods.
Meetings and Culture
Luis Felipe, the Director General of the Portuguese National Archive, welcomed His Highness and appreciated his cultural and historical efforts. This institution houses important historical documents and reflects diverse cultures, highlighting how the Portuguese documents tell the history of the region from an international perspective. He noted the richness of the archive’s contents, which include royal documents and more.
Tour of the Archive
His Highness toured the halls of the archive, which is considered one of the oldest archival institutions in the world, having been established in the 14th century. He learned about the various sections of the archive, which include colonial and administrative documents, as well as a collection of rare manuscripts. His Highness also listened to an explanation of the facilities available for researchers and beneficiaries, clearly illustrating how the Portuguese documents tell the history of the region, allowing researchers to access a rich and complex history.
In conclusion, the visit to the Portuguese National Archive left a strong impression regarding the importance of preserving and documenting history, as the Portuguese documents tell the history of the region contribute to enhancing mutual understanding among cultures and facilitating serious scientific research.