On the Occasion of the Passage of Five Years on the Opening of the BA… Memorial Words Praising the BA from the Guest Book
Posted on
Alexandria—
The BA is celebrating in October 2007 the passage of five years on the opening of the Library, realizing the dream of the entire world. The BA greatly influenced its visitors from different nationalities, and thus they expressed their feelings towards the New Library of Alexandria, the melting pot of civilizations, a symbol of human coexistence, and a beacon of knowledge to the entire world.
From the guestbook, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, Queen of Jordon, wrote "the BA, which was revived in cooperation with UNESCO, is an important center for research and study in different branches of sciences. The Library gathers, in a creative modern manner, the product of the human civilizations over ages with all its giving in science, culture, and thought. I trust that the BA will be a beacon guiding every student, intellectual, researcher, anybody towards self development in a manner commensurate with our modern age."
Omar El-Bashir, President of Sudan, wrote "the BA is one of the most important achievements of our modern age. As I have gone through the valuable acquisitions held by the BA, I extend my appreciation to President Hosni Mubarak, who supported the establishment of the Library of Alexandria, and to the Egyptian youth who stand behind this great endeavor".
Tassos Papadopoulos, President of the Republic of Cyprus, was quoted as saying "I am very proud of the BA, the most important achievement in the third millennium. Just as what Naguib Mahfouz has said, at the time of tension and conflict, this cultural edifice gives hope for a more humanitarian world, and disseminates understanding and international peace".
Laura Bosh, First Lady of the USA, following her visit to the BA, wrote "the BA is like a cathedral of books and is a model for all the libraries of the world".
Fatma Bint Mubarak, First Lady of the United Arab Emirates, wrote "this great civilization edifice saves history and gives a good omen for a better future. I praise the great role played by Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak to render the BA a beacon for the future and history."
Sheikh Abdel Rahman Bin Abdel Aziz Al-Sudais, the Imam of the Holy Shrine, Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, wrote "I am greatly pleased to visit the BA, with all its unique acquisitions, that truly render it one of the scientific edifices, a great bastion of knowledge, and an overwhelming summit in the world of science and knowledge, may Allah increase its giving and benefit to humanity."
Gihan Anwar El-Saddat, wife of late Egyptian President Anwar El-Saddat, said "I am fascinated with this edifice, and very proud with Dr. Ismail Serageldin and all the BA staff…I sincerely wish you all more success."
Mahathir bin Mohammad, former Malaysian Prime Minister, wrote "this Library deserves to restore the glory of the Ancient Library of Alexandria, I enjoyed my visit, and I hope that all Malaysians will get a chance to visit the New Library of Alexandria".
Prince Al-Hassan Bin Talal, member of the Jordanian royal family, wrote "I thank all those who participated in the establishment of this historic edifice. I extend my thanks and gratitude to Dr. Ismail Serageldin and his team for what they present of the Mediterranean and Arab heritage in a ever changing world."