The Intellectual and Cultural Affairs Department of the Holy Alawi Shrine took an active part in the 27th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair. This participation was carried out through a booth distinguished both by its size and location, as well as by the cultural and scholarly content it offered to fair visitors.
Ammar Mashallah, Deputy Head of the Intellectual and Cultural Affairs Department, told the News Center:
“The Holy Alawi Shrine’s booth features more than 300 diverse titles produced by the Intellectual and Cultural Affairs Department, covering various intellectual, cultural, and heritage fields, helping to showcase the scholarly and academic output produced by the Holy Alawi Shrine.”
He added:
“One of the most notable sections of the booth is the Nahj al-Balagha Wall, which spans an area of more than 18 square meters and features a detailed display introducing the most important manuscripts of Nahj al-Balagha, along with its most prominent commentaries and critical editions. Through its scholarly presentation, this section highlights the standing of this enduring work and the scholarly and academic attention it has received throughout history.”
He noted:
“The booth also displays a collection of old Najaf newspapers and magazines that have been published and printed in the holy city of Najaf al-Ashraf since 1910. These publications include Al-Ilm, Al-I’tidal, Al-Hirah, and Al-Bayan, among other important periodicals that depict part of the history of the city’s cultural and media movement.”
He continued:
“Also on display at the booth, owing to their artistic and heritage value, is a collection of the most important manuscripts by the late calligrapher Jasim al-Najafi. In addition, examples of precious works from the Alawi Treasury and its manuscript collections have been made available for visitors to view.”
The Quran Attributed to Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him)
Speaking about other precious works on display at the booth, he said:
“The Holy Alawi Shrine’s booth this year is distinguished by the display of the Noble Quran attributed to Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him). This Quran is considered one of the most important precious manuscripts in the Alawi Treasury, and owing to its exceptionally high religious, historical, and heritage value, it has drawn extensive interest and attention from visitors to the Baghdad International Book Fair.”
It is worth noting that the department’s presence at the fair represents an important opportunity to connect with the general public, researchers, and those interested in the cultural field.
The Holy Alawi Shrine’s booth has drawn widespread interest from various groups of visitors, particularly toward the Noble Quran attributed to Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), newly published works, manuscripts, old Najaf newspapers and magazines, and the Nahj al-Balagha Wall.
