AKU-ISMC hosts event to recognise donors

MCA Editorial Advisor Dr Geoffrey Roper provided an introduction to the collection of Muhammad ‘Abduh manuscripts.

On the 3rd of April, AKU-ISMC held an event to recognise and thank donors who contributed to the Institute’s purchase of a set of rare manuscripts by Muhammad ‘Abduh, as well as a tailor-made TAVO cabinet for the Tübingen Atlas of the Near and Middle East.

Contributions from donors have assisted AKU-ISMC, and in particular the Library, in building a unique collection and learning resource on the study of Muslim cultures, and to highlight historical and contemporary contributions to scholarship by Muslim thinkers.

The event began with a reception for staff and faculty to meet the donors, and was followed by an introduction to the work of the Institute by Director Abdou Filali-Ansary. Filali-Ansary noted the unique nature of the Institute’s research and teaching programmes, which have helped to bring together scholarship about Muslim cultures in a new setting.

The tailor-made TAVO cabinet for the Tübingen Atlas of the Near and Middle East in the Institute's Library.

Following a presentation by Librarian Stefan Seeger about the Library and its objectives, the Editorial Advisor to the Muslim Civilisations Abstracts (MCA) Project, Dr Geoffrey Roper, provided an introduction to the collection of Muhammad ‘Abduh manuscripts and expressed the potential for exciting research that this resource provides.

The donors were presented with the opportunity to view the Muhammad ‘Abduh manuscripts and were taken on a tour of the Library. The donors’ evening was concluded with a dinner held to recognise and thank the donors in enabling the Institute to further its work.

If you are interested in supporting the University or wish to learn more about the Institute, please contact Charlotte Rayani at charlotte.rayani@aku.edu.