Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Your Next Travel to Alexandria
Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located on Egypt’s northern coast, where the gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea meet the land of Alexandria, the ancient capital of Egypt and one of the world’s oldest and most renowned ports.
The library is one of the most important cultural and civilizational landmarks in the Arab world. The original library was one of the wonders of the ancient world, and today Bibliotheca Alexandrina returns in a new form to embody the spirit of learning and knowledge, making it an excellent cultural and tourist destination.
Table of contents
History of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Ancient Library
The history of the ancient Bibliotheca Alexandrina dates back to the 3rd century BC, when it was founded by Ptolemy I, one of Alexander the Great’s successors.
The goal was to create a center of science and knowledge in the ancient world. It was one of the largest libraries of its time, housing texts from all around the world, including subjects like science, philosophy, and literature.
The library was home to thousands of manuscripts and hosted prominent scholars from the ancient world, such as Euclid in geometry, Archimedes in physics, and Eratosthenes, who accurately calculated the Earth’s circumference at that time.
The Ptolemaic rulers aspired for the library to be a cultural reference, from which researchers and teachers could draw knowledge, gathering all the world’s knowledge in one place.
However, the library suffered a series of fires throughout history, the most famous of which occurred during the reign of Julius Caesar in 48 BC, resulting in the destruction of large parts of the library and the loss of a vast wealth of knowledge and books.
Reviving the Modern Library
Over two thousand years later, in 2002, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was revived in a modern form through an international project supported by the Egyptian government and UNESCO. The new library is a symbol of the renewal of this ancient institution, and it is not just a library but a comprehensive global cultural center.
Architecture and Design
The new library is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and features an inspiring and modern architectural design. The building’s shape resembles a rising sun disk, symbolizing the knowledge that shines upon the world.
The design was created by the Norwegian architect “Snohetta,” who succeeded in creating a library that aligns with the 21st century, blending global spirit and cultural depth.
The building’s exterior is characterized by its slanted granite walls, adorned with engravings representing letters from both ancient and modern languages from around the world.
These inscriptions convey a universal message: the library is not intended for one culture or language but represents a place for the meeting of civilizations and the exchange of human knowledge.
The library’s main hall, one of the largest in the world, can accommodate around 2,000 readers at once. The hall is designed in a way that allows natural light to flow, creating a peaceful atmosphere that encourages reading and studying.
Sections and Contents
Book Collections
The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina houses an extensive collection of books, estimated at over a million volumes, covering a wide range of subjects such as science, arts, literature, history, philosophy, and languages. The books are available in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, making it a multicultural and multilingual library.
Special Libraries
There are also specialized libraries within the main library, such as the Children’s Library and the Library for the Blind, which offer services tailored specifically for certain visitor groups. For example, the Children’s Library aims to foster a love of reading in young visitors through interactive books and innovative activities.
Rare Manuscripts
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina also contains a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts, including ancient texts from the human heritage. These manuscripts date back to various eras and cover diverse fields such as philosophy, science, and religion. The library offers a rare opportunity for researchers and knowledge enthusiasts to explore these valuable treasures that document the evolution of human knowledge.
Museums and Exhibitions
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is not limited to books; it also houses permanent and temporary museums and exhibitions. One of the main museums is the “Manuscript Museum,” which displays some of the rarest manuscripts in the world.
There is also an Archaeological Museum that holds a collection of artifacts discovered in Alexandria and the surrounding areas, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich history since ancient times.
Conference Center
The conference center at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an important part of its cultural and scientific activities. The center hosts numerous international conferences and seminars covering a wide range of topics such as science, arts, and politics. These events attract participants from all over the world, further enhancing the library’s role as a hub for cultural and scientific dialogue.
Role of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Contemporary Society
Global Center for Research and Education
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina plays an important role as a research and educational center both locally and internationally. The library offers a variety of educational resources, including courses, workshops, and lectures across different disciplines. It also hosts a research center where scholars from various countries collaborate on studies in fields such as technology and social sciences.
Supporting Innovation and Technology
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is committed to staying up-to-date with technological advancements, integrating technology into its services. The library features a dedicated digital technology section that provides access to a vast array of digital resources, including e-books, journals, and scientific articles.
Additionally, there is a center focused on technological research and innovation, encouraging entrepreneurs and researchers to develop their ideas and turn them into practical projects.
Global Connectivity
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina maintains close relationships with libraries and cultural institutions worldwide. Through these partnerships, the library aims to exchange knowledge and resources, strengthening its position as a global knowledge hub. The library also works to preserve global cultural heritage through projects involving translation and the digital preservation of ancient texts.
Tourism at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
For tourists, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an unparalleled cultural destination. Whether you are a book lover, interested in culture and arts, or simply looking for a peaceful place to read, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers an enjoyable experience.
Visitors can take a tour of the library, exploring the stunning architecture of the building and discovering the various exhibitions that reflect the history and culture of Alexandria.
The library also features cafes and restaurants with views of the sea, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery after a tour filled with knowledge and culture.
Additionally, the library is located in a tourist area with many other attractions nearby, such as the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Alexandria National Museum, making a visit to the library part of a comprehensive tourist experience in Alexandria.
Conclusion
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina remains a symbol of knowledge and cultural exchange between civilizations. It is not just a library, but a global landmark that bridges the past and the present, offering visitors from all over the world the opportunity to explore treasures of knowledge and history.
It is the perfect destination for anyone seeking to explore the world of books and reading, or for those wishing to enjoy a meaningful time in a rich and authentic cultural environment.
Now that you’ve learned the key information about Bibliotheca Alexandrina, you can explore more tourist places in Alexandria.
You can also check out the most famous tourist places in Egypt.
To visit our official Facebook page.
