Sharjah: Visitors to the ongoing 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) have the rare opportunity to view a special exhibition of priceless copied manuscripts of the Quran dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as the family tree of Prophet Muhammad ( PSL). ).
Organized by the old Italian Ambrosiana Library and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, the golden pages on display have been perfectly preserved – with genealogy, geography, history, linguistics, literature and a detailed description of their origin and history.
A 17th century cosmology book “Miracles of Existence” containing one of the most acclaimed Arabic dictionaries is also on display. There is also Firuzabadi’s 14th century manuscript, Al Qamus Al Muhit, and the oldest expounded – a 13th century manuscript on the sciences of the Quran titled “Discovering the Faces of the Seven Readings”, by Makki bin Abi Talib Al Quaisi .
Future storytellers
From history to the future of society, SIBF prepares children to become storytellers. There are interactive areas such as gardening, drawing, music and storytelling, where children take part in various activities and share stories.
“The idea is to be self-aware, so kids get to know themselves,” said Anthony Estephan, host of Tekdir Live Theatrical Show Production, adding, “Children react to colors, they like colors, so I I chose to wear something with flowers, something happy…Who knows? Maybe one of them could become the next Picasso, or the next Mozart, maybe he will build something incredible or that he will become a great storyteller.
During one of the interactive zones for children
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digital canvas
Young visitors can also learn about art, including mixing colors and creating 3D effects through simple and effective techniques via the Procreate app.
The workshop teaches kids about some of the app’s tools as they become familiar with digital brush selection and the color palette. They also learn how to create tints, shades and tones as well as techniques to create a 3D (three-dimensional) effect in the drawing.
Social comedy
The critically acclaimed social satire “London Apartment” made its SIBF debut. The Arabic-language social comedy, which is set in a London flat, brought to light many current social issues and entertained audiences with moments of laughter.
London Apartment is one of 123 immersive theatrical performances and traveling parades from eight countries staged for SIBF 2022. It is written by Issa Ahmad and directed by Mosa Arty, with the cast led by popular artists Tariq Al Al and Elham Al Fadalii.
‘London Apartment’ exhibition at SIBF 2022
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“Writing was my first dream”
Meanwhile, popular Egyptian actor and action hero Ahmed El Sakka has revealed to his fans that he never intended to become an actor and instead plans to become an art critic.
Sharing his love for books, Ahmed El Sakka said, “Although technologies have advanced and there are e-books at the push of a button, I still favor old-fashioned reading. I love writing, especially short stories, and I still collect many children’s stories from my time.
During the El Sakka session
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“Cooking requires logic and planning”
Indian chef Vicky Ratnani spiced up SIBF’s kitchen area by preparing dishes inspired by Indian and Arabic influences, while entertaining the audience with jokes and amusing quotes.
He said: “While cooking isn’t rocket science, it does require some logic and planning. Today we don’t have time to buy ingredients and cook at leisure. So Urban Desi offers 49 recipes spanning surf and turf categories, one pot meals and quick recipes that you can cook in minutes.
He also offered practical culinary tips such as replacing ghee with olive oil if one does not like the taste of the old and heating the baking dish well in order to make the meat a beautiful color. The chef also offered tasting samples to the public after the event and handed out autographed copies of his new book.
Other internationally renowned chefs are expected to share their expertise at SIBF’s Kitchen Corner until 13 November.
Sharjah helps an Italian bookshop
Meanwhile, Sharjah has pledged to support the restoration efforts of the popular bookstore, Giannino Stoppani, in Bologna, Italy.
Sharjah World Book Capital generously donated €50,000 to the restoration fund after a tragic fire severely damaged the iconic store in May this year.
The shop was founded in 1983 by Simona Comelli, Grazia Gotti, Tiziana Roversi, Silvana Sola and Giampaola Tartarini – five ambitious women who specialized in young children’s literature while studying at the University of Bologna.
Since its creation, the bookstore has remained independent and has forged a formidable reputation for its expertise in children’s publishing. Over the years he has become one of the main consultants of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) and has been responsible for curating its “International Book Shop” which finds and promotes the best children’s books. of the whole world.
Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairman of the World Book Capital of Sharjah, said: “When I heard about the fire of Giannino Stoppani, I knew that we, as a community of publishers, had to come together around the store for him to resume his once important job. Again. I am delighted that Sharjah World Book Capital has been able to offer its support as the store strives to get back on its feet. I would like to thank Marcella Terrusi, professor at the University of Bologna, who facilitated contact and communication with the owners of the Giannino Stoppani bookstore.
