King Abdulaziz Public Library succeeds in preserving more than 3,000 rare scientific materials of cultural heritage

The newly formed repair centre at Riyadh's King Abdulaziz Public Library has preserved over 3,000 unique scientific resources of cultural heritage. Photographs, papers, maps, rare books, and manuscripts are all included.

The centre was able to recreate rare photographs of Diriyah's old city, highlighting its location surrounded by a sea of palm palms. The centre reconstructed 415 historic pictures of Jeddah. 117 antique books, including their leather covers and interior pages, were also restored by the experienced team.

Furthermore, the centre restored a collection of Saudi currencies that were issued on 14 Dhu Al-Qa'da 1372 AH, which corresponds to July 25, 1953 AD, when the Saudi Monetary Agency issued what was then known as "receipts of pilgrims." Starting at 10 Riyals, these were lightweight banknotes issued and used during Hajj, with 5,000 printed with slogans in both Arabic and English.

More than 615 unique papers and a series of rare publications were restored by the restoration centre. In addition, the centre cleaned 2,235 rare and precious maps in preparation for restoration and preservation. The most significant was Abraham Ortelius' map of Africa and the Arabian peninsula, made in 1570 AD.

gThe restoration centre, which opened in late 2022, has functioned as a safe haven for artefacts. Each object is given careful study in order to keep and preserve these bits of history for future generations.