King Abdulaziz Public Library acquires over 32,625 rare and unique books

The King Abdulaziz Public Library houses distinguished collections of rare books with unique scientific, cultural, historical, and literary value. The library’s holdings now exceed 32,625 titles, notable for their rarity, early printings, or unique subject matter. These collections are accessible to researchers and enthusiasts, reflecting the library’s commitment to preserving printed Arab heritage across various fields of science and knowledge.

European editions and special collections

The library features a selection of rare books, including 78 old and rare European editions on the life of Prophet Mohammed. The collection also includes 113 early European-language translations of the Qur’an, 55 books on Qur’anic studies, and 54 works related to Islamic sources. These volumes represent the early European interest in the Qur’an and its study.

The library has also acquired a set of Arabic editions printed in Europe in 1592 and 1593, reflecting its dedication to authentic Arab and Islamic heritage. These include extremely rare works such as Ibn Sina’s “The Canon,” Abdul Qadir al-Jurjani’s “Secrets of Eloquence” edited by H. Ritter, “Annals of Nashr al-Mathani” by Balyonus al-Hakim edited by Awsala Waisir, Porphyry’s “Isagoge” commentary by Abu al-Faraj Ibn al-Tayyib edited by Kwamijiki, and “Islamic Astronomy” by Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti edited by Anton M. Haynin. The library’s catalog features 8,271 rare Arabic book titles, all indexed and classified.

The library also holds several private collections, including the library of American orientalist George Rents, which contains many rare books, manuscripts, maps, and documents, with approximately 3,265 foreign-language books. Another is the library of Hamza Boubakeur, former dean of the Islamic Institute and imam of the Paris Mosque, comprising 17,170 titles in 19,821 volumes, including books, periodicals, newspapers, manuscripts, documents, press clippings, studies, and rare works in Arabic, French, English, German, and Russian.

The collections also include works on Islamic law, literature, travel writing, geography, customs, and traditions, with a focus on Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, and the wider Islamic world. These resources are available for scholarly research and offer opportunities for new literary, cultural, and historical discoveries.