الشارقة 24:
The House of Wisdom is participating in the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which is being held at the Sharjah Expo Centre until November 15 under the theme “Crafting Stories.” The exhibition will shine a light on the heritage of Arab maritime navigation, focusing on the invaluable knowledge and experiences contributed by Arab sailors that opened up trade routes, connected ports, and enhanced communication between peoples and cultures. It will also highlight the historical maritime and trade links between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.
Coinciding with Oman being the guest of honour at this year’s fair, the House of Wisdom is collaborating with the Oman Through the Ages Museum, a cultural landmark inaugurated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in March 2023, to present a segment titled “The Legacy of Arab Navigation: Ahmad ibn Majid and Maritime Sciences.” This segment will showcase navigational manuscripts, known as “al-Rahmaniyat,” which document the experiences and observations of Arab navigator captains, as well as the significant contributions of Ahmad ibn Majid to the field of maritime sciences.
A Shared Heritage Linking the UAE and Oman
According to Marwa Al-Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, “The history of Arab navigation reveals an important aspect of our region’s scientific and cultural contributions. Over centuries of observation, experimentation, and documentation, sailors and scholars turned their seafaring experiences into scientific knowledge passed down through generations, contributing to the expansion of trade and communication among nations. This shared heritage between the UAE and Oman signifies the profound importance of our region in the history of knowledge exchange and illustrates our capacity to innovate ways to explore the world and connect with its civilisations.”
She further added, “The value of our scientific heritage lies in our ability to revisit and understand the ideas and experiences that shaped its features. Through our collaboration with the Oman Through the Ages Museum, we aim to make these sources available to the fair audience and highlight the development of navigational knowledge and methods of thinking and innovation in our region. We hope this experience will open new avenues for younger generations to understand their cultural history and discover what drove its pioneers to research, experiment, and explore the unknown.”
Records of Arab Maritime Navigation and Experiences of Navigator Captains
The House of Wisdom’s pavilion will display three maritime manuscripts from the Oman Through the Ages Museum, focusing on “al-Rahmaniyat,” a term designated for navigational treatises penned by Arab navigators documenting their experiences during sea voyages. These collections encapsulate cumulative knowledge based on observation and experience. They delve into the fundamentals of maritime navigation, utilising astronomy and geography to guide sailors and determine routes between ports.
Among the displayed manuscripts is the book “Madinat al-Asrar fi Ilm al-Bihar” by the navigator Nasser bin Ali Al-Khodhouri, recognised as one of the most prominent Omani al-Rahmaniyat, and the first Omani manuscript to be included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2017. Additionally, the manuscripts feature “al-Rahmaniyat 1” copied by the navigator Majid bin Mubarak Abd al-Tahir, noted for its illustrations of sailing ships and data on latitude and longitude of maritime routes and ports, while “al-Rahmaniyat 2” by Nazeer bin Salem bin Nazeer includes geographical data on ports and coastal heads.
Unpublished Verses Unveiling the Knowledge of “The Lion of the Seas”
Also included are the manuscript “Al-Arajiz of Ibn Majid,” copied in 1771, which features 15 verses attributed to Ahmad ibn Majid, seven of which remain unpublished and are part of the collection of the Muhammad Al-Kudah Al-Ansari Library. This manuscript is considered by scholars to be the oldest known manuscript in the UAE. Additionally, a copy of the manuscript “Letters on the Science of the Seas” is displayed, the original of which is preserved at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Saudi Arabia. This manuscript contains Ibn Majid’s letters on navigation and ship movement, alongside maps and celestial and geographical illustrations. The pavilion also presents the book “A Statement for Distinguished Historians on the Innocence of Ibn Majid” authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, which provides evidence based on historical documents affirming Ibn Majid’s innocence from the allegation of guiding the Portuguese to India.
In addition to the manuscripts and works, the House of Wisdom offers a visual presentation detailing the life of Ahmad ibn Majid, including his upbringing in a prominent maritime family from the region of Julfar. This showcase highlights his contributions to the development of navigational knowledge, from using stars to chart the skies, observing winds and currents, to determining maritime paths, as well as his significant writings that helped preserve and transmit Arab maritime sciences over generations.
Alongside the exhibition, the House of Wisdom will host workshops for children titled “A Journey into the World of Navigation and Exploration,” inspired by the theme of the fair, as well as activities for young people titled “Tales from Culture and Knowledge,” allowing them to design their unique travel journals, selecting colours, leather types, and decorations inspired by Omani heritage to create personalised souvenirs reflecting their individual tastes.