Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah has honored a historic landmark with the fulfillment of the 127-volume Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language. This incredible achievement is marked across the Arab and Islamic worlds, a proud testament to the UAE’s dedication to holding its linguistic and cultural origin.
Sultan bin Mohammed praised the unwavering efforts of the teams who worked constantly for seven years on the project, which strives to be an invaluable aid for researchers, scholars, and future generations.
In the significant ceremony held at Al Qasimi Publications headquarters, Sultan bin Mohammed signed the final volume, which covers the letters “و” and “ي”, illustrating the corpus’s comprehensive reach.
The finalized Historical Corpus will be available at the forthcoming Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in November, providing access to researchers, scholars, and educators worldwide. The corpus, according to Sultan bin Mohammed, performs as a vessel preserving the breadth of knowledge, history, and civilization signified within the Arabic language. Sultan bin Mohammed stressed the ongoing work to confirm that this treasure continues to aid future generations.
Launch of the comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia
In addition to celebrating the Corpus’s completion, Sultan bin Mohammed declared the commencement of another significant project: the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia. This new endeavor will enclose all Arabic terms across various fields, delivering a thorough repository of knowledge available to all. The work will reflect the same painstaking methods employed in creating the Historical Corpus, ensuring a high standard of accuracy and integrity.
Sultan bin Mohammed highlighted the critical role the encyclopedia will play in conserving the purity of the Arabic language by excluding foreign terms and providing a precise reference for Arabic vocabulary.
Cultural initiatives for global impact
The Ruler of Sharjah also underscored continued initiatives to teach and preserve the Arabic language beyond the UAE, including the establishment of cultural centers in Europe and Africa. These centers desire to promote the language and correct misreadings, ensuring that Arabic remains resonant in both academic and public spaces worldwide.
In his closing remarks, Sultan bin Mohammed commended all supporters of the Historical Corpus, enabling their continued dedication to the comprehensive preservation of Arabic heritage. Sultan bin Mohammed remarked that, “Our journey is beautiful, filled with love for God, for this religion, and for this language.”
The event concluded with a tour of the Al Qasimi Publications office, where Sultan bin Mohammed viewed an exhibition showcasing original manuscripts from his personal works, including a draft of his book Omani-French Relations: 1715-1900.
This monumental undertaking, which will pinnacle in the publication of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia, is yet another example of Sharjah’s role as an international hub for cultural and intellectual excellence.