The Private Library of King Abdulaziz holds rare books, journals and manuscripts that shaped early Saudi scholarship. It reflects his drive for learning and his respect for knowledge.
Info Box about Private Library of King Abdulaziz
Founded By: King Abdulaziz Al Saud
Known For: Rare manuscripts, early printed books
Current Location: King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah)
How the Library Began
The Private Library of King Abdulaziz started in Al-Murabba Palace. Books and manuscripts were placed on the first floor. It later moved to King Saud University. It then reached the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah. Each move helped protect the items and open the door for study.
Why Knowledge Mattered to King Abdulaziz
He read often. He searched for information that helped him lead and plan. He built his own library and paid printing costs for many books. He kept books he inherited from earlier family members. Writers from across the Arab and Muslim world sent him books as gifts. During the unification of the Kingdom, he asked people about rare books they held. He sent trusted men to buy them or copy them. Scholars used his library. Writers borrowed from it. It helped build the early record of the country.
What the Private Library of King Abdulaziz Holds
Books on Islam
About one-third of the library covers Islam.
These books include:
- Qur’an studies
- Hadith
- Jurisprudence
- Principles of belief
- The life of the Prophet
These works help show what scholars studied during that time.
Books on History
The library holds five large collections on Arab and Islamic history. It also includes books on the history of Asian, African and European states. These records help readers understand different regions and how they changed over time.
Books on Arabic Literature
Arabic literature takes up almost one-fifth of the library. It includes early poetry and modern pieces. These books show how writers described life, land and people in different periods.
Rare Works and Manuscripts
The library keeps items that hold strong value. A few examples include:
- A copy of Sahih Al-Bukhari Fi Ahadith Rasul Allah Al-Bari, printed in Delhi in 1855
- The manuscript Nihayat Al-Raghib Fi Sharh Urood Ibn Al-Hajib, also known as Al-Maqsid Al-Jalil Fi Ilm Al-Khalil
The library also holds books from the early era of printing. These items show the shift from manuscripts to printed work.
Books in Other Fields
The Private Library of King Abdulaziz includes books on:
- Politics
- International law
- Biographies
- Medicine
- Education
- Economics
- Military studies
- Equestrianism
This wide range shows how he wanted knowledge that helped guide the country.
Why the Library Still Matters
The library gives us a record of what the King valued. It shows how he supported scholars and how he protected rare knowledge. It also shows the early shape of Saudi intellectual life. Each book and manuscript adds to the story of the country.
By placing the library in Darah, its items gained long-term care. Researchers use them today to study events, beliefs and writing styles from earlier periods.
Closing Thoughts
The Private Library of King Abdulaziz stands as a strong record of his interest in learning. Its manuscripts, books and journals reflect his vision for a country built on knowledge.
It remains a place where readers and researchers find material that shaped the early Kingdom.
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