Bodour Al Qasimi Advances Cultural Cooperation Between Sharjah And Paris Through Strategic Partnerships

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), recently visited the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris. This visit aimed to explore collaborative opportunities with one of Europe's most esteemed research libraries. The meeting with senior officials focused on enhancing cultural and professional partnerships, reflecting Sharjah's dedication to global literary and academic cooperation.

During discussions, both parties agreed to develop sustainable cultural collaborations. They plan to create joint programmes focusing on manuscripts, cultural artefacts, and children's literature. A notable proposal includes hosting "Sharjah Literary Days" in Paris, fostering cultural exchange between Sharjah and the French capital.

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As a token of appreciation for global cultural institutions, Sheikha Bodour presented copies of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language to both branches of the French National Library. This gesture acknowledged the library's role in preserving written heritage and celebrated efforts to promote Arabic language globally.

The delegation from SBA, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, was welcomed by Gilles Pécout, President of the National Library of France. They toured the Richelieu site, learning about its research facilities and preservation methods for documents and manuscripts. The library's advanced services for researchers worldwide were also highlighted.

Sheikha Bodour emphasised that this collaboration marks a significant milestone in Sharjah's quest for lasting cultural partnerships. She stated, "In Sharjah, we believe that libraries are not simply repositories of books, but vibrant spaces for cultural engagement." She expressed commitment to projects that enhance Arab culture's global presence and strengthen Sharjah’s role as a bridge between East and West.

She added that presenting the Historical Corpus is an invitation for civilisational exchange. "We hold this revered institution in high regard for its integral role in safeguarding written heritage," she said. She expressed confidence that their collaboration will open new avenues resonating with human cultural identity.

Joint Exhibitions and Children's Literature

The visit identified several collaboration areas, including joint exhibitions online and on-ground. A key feature will be exchanging rare manuscripts and historical documents between Sharjah and Paris. These exhibitions aim to deepen cultural dialogue through shared book legacies.

The agreement also includes collaborating in children's literature to promote reading among younger generations. Specialised programmes will increase visibility of Emirati content in France while expanding French literature in Sharjah. Workshops and reciprocal visits are planned as part of this initiative.

Professional Cooperation Initiatives

The agreements extend to launching high-level professional cooperation between Sharjah Public Libraries and the National Library of France. This focuses on exchanging expertise to enhance library infrastructure and promote sustainable knowledge integration between both institutions.

The French National Library is one of Europe's oldest cultural institutions, dating back to the 14th century. Officially established in 1537 under King Francis I, it was among the first to adopt a legal deposit system by requiring publishers to deposit copies with the library.

A Legacy of Knowledge Preservation

Today, it holds over 40 million items across various knowledge branches in multiple languages. Renowned for its rare holdings like manuscripts and antiquarian books, it remains a premier resource for researchers globally. Its digital research services attract thousands annually with its blend of heritage and innovation.

SBA’s visit highlights its commitment to forming strategic cultural partnerships globally. This aligns with its mission to foster publishing sector growth and promote international cultural dialogue.

With inputs from WAM