Collection

Islamic Antiquities

The Museum of Islamic Art has contributed part of its spectacular collection to the library museum. It covers the period from the beginning of Islam up to the present time. Amongst the collection displayed in the Library Museum are artifacts decorated with Arabic inscriptions. According to the Holy Koran “reading and writing” are the two elements that distinguish the human being from all other creatures, as they provide him with knowledge that enlightens his intellect.
The exhibited artifacts include a collection of inscribed bone carvings, pieces of painted pottery inscribed with the names of the best known potters of the time, wooden objects such as the wooden oriel with geometrical decorations, a collection of Middle Eastern coins and some architectural elements bearing religious expressions and

Lantern, with bands of Arabic inscriptions listing the epithets of Sultan Hassan. It is made of a glass container, with an oil-lamp placed inside it. The lantern used to be suspended by chains from the ceiling.
The lantern was an Islamic means of lighting, and was mentioned in a verse in the Holy Koran. Its light is distinguished with brightness and calm.

Rectangular inkwell, with three cavities for ink, inlaid with silver and decorated with floral designs and with Arabic inscriptions, which indicates progress in the techniques of dealing with various metals.