Imam Hussain and al-Abbas Holy Shrines participate in rare manuscripts expo in Baghdad

The Holy Shrines of Imam Hussein and al-Abbas are taking part in an exhibition of rare books and manuscripts in the capital, Baghdad.

The exhibition, which opened on Sunday, showcases rare books and manuscripts, some of which date back to a millennium.

Priceless manuscripts, written in eight languages, are part of the exhibit, held by the Iraqi Manuscripts House in Baghdad.

Ahmed al-Alyawi, Director-General of the Library and Archives Department at the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, said that this exhibition is being held as part of the activities of the Arab Manuscript Day, which was established at the meeting of Arab culture ministers in 2013.

He added that this year’s exhibition has taken the slogan “Heritage and Epidemics” in order to spotlight the procedures of conservation and preservation of manuscripts which face threats of damage and disappearance.

The official stressed that Iraq boasts exceptionally rich collections of manuscripts.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, a symposium will be held, to be attended by the Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Hassan Nadhim and representatives of Arab and international diplomatic missions, as well as researchers and postgraduate students at Iraqi universities.