Exceptionally Rare Manuscripts from Asia and North Africa on Display in Cambridge
Cambridge University Library has unveiled an extraordinary exhibition of “exceptionally rare” manuscripts from Asia and North Africa, many of which are being displayed to the public for the first time. Among the highlights are a 730-year-old Persian commentary on parts of the Quran and the oldest known Malay Quranic commentaries from Aceh, Indonesia. These artefacts offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious history of the regions, showcasing works in over 15 languages and scripts, including Arabic, Hebrew, Classical Chinese, Javanese, and Turkish.
Dr Chris Burgess, Head of Public Programmes at the Cambridge University Library, remarked that ancient manuscripts act as “time machines,” transporting us back to different worlds. The exhibit is a testament to the pioneering efforts of Dutch scholar Thomas van Erpe, known as Erpenius, who aimed to elevate the study of Islamic and Asian texts to the same status as Latin, Greek, and Hebrew in European academia. Erpenius’s vision was to foster a more inclusive approach to religious and textual studies, a philosophy that continues to resonate today.
The manuscripts on display were originally collected by Erpenius and donated to the library in 1632. His dedication to preserving these texts reflects a deep passion for global understanding through the study of world languages. This exhibition features works in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Syriac, and Malay, among others, representing a vast array of knowledge from regions that were, for centuries, at the crossroads of civilisation.
One of the standout pieces in the collection is a 700-year-old copy of the Gospels in Arabic, providing insights into how Christians in Alexandria practised their faith. Another fascinating artefact is a royal copy of an Arabic book of language, dated 1274, from ancient Shiraz, now in modern-day Iran, which once belonged to the rulers of the region.
Dr Majid Daneshgar, the curator, highlighted that in an era when European academic focus was heavily centred on the Bible and Classical civilisations, Erpenius championed the study of Islamic and Asian texts. His groundbreaking collection paved the way for a more global and inclusive approach to the study of history, language, and religion.
This remarkable exhibition, titled Endless Stories: Manuscripts, Knowledge, and Translation in the 17th Century, will run until 22 February at the Cambridge University Library. Visitors have a rare opportunity to experience these artefacts and explore the diverse and interconnected histories they represent. The manuscripts span more than 700 years, with the youngest being 400 years old, offering a unique perspective on the transmission of knowledge across centuries and continents.
For more details about the manuscripts and the ongoing exhibition, visit the official Cambridge University Library website. If you’re a history and literature enthusiast then this exhibition is a must-see. Its artefacts reflect the diversity of languages and cultures that have shaped global history and offer a rare glimpse into the intellectual exchanges of the past. For more updates on cultural exhibitions and historical insights, visit EyeOnLondon.
Endless Stories: Manuscripts, knowledge and translation in the 17th century, external runs until 22nd February.
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