Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has emphasised the importance of translating masterpieces of Arabic literature into other languages of the world and of initiatives aimed at refuting misconceptions and wrongdoings by individuals which has marred the image, noble values, culture and civilisation of the Arab World.

Speaking to media persons while touring the Sharjah pavilion at the 67th edition of the Frankfurt International Book Fair, which opened in Germany on 14th October and runs for five days, Sheikh Sultan outlined initiatives by the Emirate of Sharjah in areas of publishing and translating valuable books from Arabic to other languages and vice versa.

He said that the participation of Sharjah in these international cultural events helps to strengthen cultural interactions and promote the UAE's cultural profile internationally.

'All countries of the world are participating in these gatherings and we want to see the UAE's flag flying high. We took the initiative and leadership with regard to the Arab presence at these events,' Sheikh Sultan noted.

He called on the Arab media to present the scientific achievements of Arab and Muslim scientists.

Sheikh Sultan's tour took him to the Sharjah's stand led by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and stands of other UAE exhibitors where he listened to future cultural projects and on-going initiatives to develop the UAE's publishing industry.

Following his visit to a number of stands of Arab countries, HH proceeded to the German stand where he signed the German version of his latest book, "Under the Flag of Occupation" at the stand of the German publisher Olms.

The book tells stories of Sharjah's history. The latest of Sheikh Sultan's publications, the book presents a number stories about the history of Sharjah, including its social and literary history, as well as its traditions and ethical values, a description of the Emirate and its neighbourhoods, houses, inhabitants, history, and trade, in the form of historical stories covering the most important events that happened in Sharjah from 1820 to 1866.

The book features nine chapters, titled "After the War Came to an End", "The Remaining Hatred", "Return of the Salafi Dawa", "The Rebel and the City", "Hajji Yaqoub in the Agency", "Power and Influence of Abu Basheet", "The War of the Neighbourhood", Salmeen Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi", and "The Days of Distress".

The book also includes a large number of footnotes that have been derived from thousands of pages of historical documents and contains a collection of rare maps of Sharjah, including a map of Sharjah in 1822, another one in 1864, and a map showing the Herat pearl dive sites.

Sheikh Sultan was accompanied by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and a number of UAE cultural officials.

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is participating in the five-day Frankfurt International Book Fair as part of its drive to make partnerships and promote initiatives and events organised by the authority.

There are 7,500 exhibitors from 110 countries participating in the Frankfurt Book Fair 2015, and this year it is celebrating Indonesia as the Guest of Honour under the slogan "Indonesia - 17,000 Islands of Imagination" in honour of the world's largest Muslim population in one country.
Source: WAM