By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter
A variety of manuscripts and vintage books are on display at the 25th edition of Doha International Book Fair, currently on at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The majority of the books are in Arabic but books in English take the second spot. There are books in other languages as well.
In addition to the new books and the most recent releases, electronic books and games, there are a number of stalls of companies from different parts of the world displaying books and manuscripts dating back to hundreds of years and can cost millions of dollars.
“These books are sought by special customers and highly interested collectors. At this exhibition, I have seen a lot of interest in such rare books from many visitors, particular Qataris. Also, they are keen to buy and own certain books,” said Badr El-Hage, owner of UK-based Folios Limited and an exhibitor at the fair.
According to El-Hage, he obtains rare books from private collectors in auctions in America and Europe, and his customers include museums and people interested in antiquities.
Hugo Wetschberk, exhibitor from Austria's Antiquariat Intlibiris, said that his company has been taking part at DIBF since 2009, and his collection includes rare manuscripts from as old as the15th century.
“Some of the books in our collection include manuscripts that may cost up to 4mn euros. Museums and foundations are among our customers, besides wealthy collectors, who enjoy keeping such precious things. We also maintain and restore the manuscripts, which we often buy from private collectors around the world at auctions, and provide the customer with a certificate of originality,” said Wetschberk.
His collection of manuscripts on display includes books in Arabic, English and other languages with various paintings covering a variety of subjects such as ancient Egypt, old Europe, fables and old science.
Another exhibitor of antiquities and old books, Dr Mousallam Sakka Amini, said that his collection of old books and manuscript covers a wide range of history.
“We have manuscripts that go back to the age of the companions of the Prophet Muhammed, and science books of the modern age that are no longer in print. Some customers are usually interested in these and they love to own such antique books and value them. Qataris constitute the largest segment of our customers,” he added.
The Doha International Book Fair also features a large collection of titles, e-books, children books and educational toys and software. The embassies of the US, Japan, South Korea, France and other countries have special stalls at the fair.
The Ministry of Culture Arts and Heritage is organising cultural and entertainment activities such as history lectures and arts exhibitions.
The fair is open for the public daily from 9am – 1pm and 4pm - 10pm; on Friday from 4pm - 10pm, until January 17.
Visitors at a stall at the Doha International Book Fair.
