Qatar Digital Library Contains the Largest Archive of Documents in GCC
Qatar Digital Library contains the largest digital archive specialized in the history of the Middle East, for documents and photographs, which includes a unique collection of the most important reports, correspondences, manuscripts, maps, historical photographs, and audio recordings related to the Gulf region, the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring regions.
In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Mrs. Abeer Al-Kuwari, Director of Research Affairs and Learning Services at Qatar National Library, said that the library's digital archive also contains in-depth articles by a group of specialized experts that provide readers with an in-depth look at various topics related to the region's past and its people, pointing out that the number of beneficiaries of the library's digital archive this year exceeded the two million mark of visitors to the Qatar Digital Library.
فيديو ذات صلة
This browser does not support the video element.
She added that the Qatar Digital Library includes thousands of historical photographs since the beginning of the era of photography until now, including maps and unique photos taken by members of scientific and archaeological missions, portraits of personalities, and other photos that reflect the first attempts of photojournalism, and unique documentaries covering important historical events in the region (such as the First and Second World Wars, colonial rule and the development of infrastructure in the region), and examples of amateur photographs that offer a unique perspective on daily life in the Middle East.
Mrs. Abeer Al-Kuwari showed the extent of great benefit from the unique collection of old photographs in the archive, as these photos were the main material that was used in many exhibitions, including but not limited to: the exhibition "Arab Immigrants in the United States: The Pursuit of the American Dream." From December 2021 until May 2022.
The Qatar Digital Library deals with the contemporary history and heritage of the wider Gulf region (the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, and Iraq), making it the ideal destination for readers who wish to research a variety of historical topics such as the practices of trade, the two world wars, the oil companies, the British colonial administration of the region, Treaties, agreements, and other topics.
It also contains a rare collection of Arabic and Islamic manuscripts on subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, agriculture, philosophy, music theory, military sciences, geography, law, chemistry, mechanics, and zoology.
The Qatar National Library's digital repository provides free access to digitized materials from the library’s heritage collections, as well as some selections from its local partner collections to all users around the world.
All Qatar Digital Library materials are available for free viewing and download by all online users all over the world, and they are accompanied by explanatory notes in Arabic and English, which made it an indispensable reference for researchers and all those interested in the history and heritage of the region.
It is worth mentioning that Qatar National Library had previously announced the addition of the digital page number two million, and it was published through its electronic portal.