By Izaat Shaheen (with photos)
CAIRO, Dec 21 (KUNA) -- Egyptian Ministry of Culture is preparing for the inauguration of the old books library and publishing firm in Bab-Alkhalq area near historical sector of Cairo after five years of reconstruction and renovation of the building with costs of 15 million US Dollars.
Minister of Culture Farouq Hosni told KUNA that a ceremony will be held on the 100 year anniversary of the library, pointing out that it is no longer a traditional library but will also exhibit to the public its historical items.
Hosni said the six kilometer-square firm has expanded to include items from 12 international libraries, adding that the building will include halls with modern facilities and ancient interiors dating back to more than 100 years.
Qualified employees are to supervise the operation of the building and receive guests and tourists, Hosni said, pointing out that the library includes 60,000 ancient scripts, historical books, ancient currencies and coins preserved and exhibited in the building.
Hosni added that it is also significant that the building is next door to the Islamic Museum that is being reconstructed to be re-opened next year.
Furthermore national library and document library director Dr. Mohammad Saber Arab told KUNA that the old books library was established in 1954 and is based in Mustafa Fadhil Basha Palace (the brother of Al-Khidawi Ismail) and is considered the first national library in the Arab world.
Dr. Arab said that the library contains 30,000 reference books, Arab scripts, eastern maps, and Islamic currencies and calligraphies.
The old books library called the Kutub-Khana (book place) in the past was established in 1849, 1265 of the Hijra (Muslim calendar) by Egypt's King at the time Mohammad Ali. One of the most known publication of this library and publishing firm is the 1952, 1371 of the Hijra (Muslim calendar) Holy Quran.
