Cultural Initiatives By Sharjah Ruler Receive Acclaim From Portuguese Media And Scholars
The inauguration of the Centre for Arab Studies at the University of Coimbra in Portugal by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has been extensively covered by media worldwide. This event, along with the launch of the digital platform for the historic Joanina Library, is seen as a significant step in fostering academic and cultural dialogue between the Arab world and Europe.
Portuguese and European cultural circles have praised H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s donation of the "Barbosa Manuscript" to the Joanina Library. This manuscript served as the basis for his critical edition and translation of "A Journey of Great Importance." The gift is viewed as a strategic move to enhance cultural dialogue between Arab and Portuguese civilisations.
Leading Portuguese newspapers have commended Sharjah’s efforts in promoting knowledge, research, and cultural exchange. They affirm that these initiatives reflect Sharjah’s vision to integrate Arab culture into Europe’s academic landscape. The emirate’s role in advancing these exchanges is seen as pioneering.
Diário As Beiras highlighted H.H.’s support for digitising the Joanina Library, which will provide access to over 30,000 rare books and manuscripts. This seven-year project is a collaboration between the University of Coimbra and the Sharjah Book Authority, aiming to make valuable resources available to scholars and the public.
Público reported on Sharjah’s strategic relationship with the University of Coimbra, noting that this partnership led to Portugal’s first Centre for Arab Studies. The centre offers academic programmes in Arabic language and literature, alongside seminars, workshops, and public lectures.
Jornal O Despertar noted that this initiative marks the birth of a new cultural hub at the university, fostering interaction with Arab culture. This development coincides with launching Joanina Library’s digital archive, further enhancing academic collaboration.
Global Cultural Impact
Jornal i analysed this initiative's broader impact, describing it as a global model for cooperation in preserving shared human heritage. It strengthens East–West dialogue by showcasing how different cultures can work together towards common goals.
The opening has been reported across major newspapers in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Korea, Pakistan, Canada, Türkiye and Australia. These reports view it as a continuation of Sharjah’s international cultural efforts following its successful initiatives in Milan.
The event reaffirms Sharjah's status as a global capital of Arab culture. By establishing such centres and supporting digitisation projects like that of Joanina Library, Sharjah continues to play an influential role in bridging cultures through education and heritage preservation.
With inputs from WAM
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