An underground pedestrian tunnel is being constructed in Sharjah's Cultural Square. This tunnel is intended to provide a safe passage between the Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Mosque and the adjacent area. Concurrently, a major Arabic encyclopedia project will reach 130 completed volumes at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair.
The construction of the tunnel has begun and will allow worshippers and visitors to cross the square safely without obstructing traffic or damaging the landscape design. Furthermore, it will simplify photography in this location.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, announced these projects during a phone interview as part of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s Direct Line program.
Sheikh Sultan characterized the Holy Quran monument in the Cultural Square as a symbol of the Quran's role as a guiding source for Muslims. He also noted that this area may be known as Quran Square or Book Square.
The Ruler also stated that the second part of his Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia will be presented at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which opens on November 4th at the Sharjah Expo Centre under the theme 'Made from Stories.'
This project is planned to be published in four parts over four years, with the ultimate goal of reaching a total of 500 volumes. The first part included 46 volumes covering science, literature, art, and prominent figures. The latest release will increase the total number of completed volumes to 130.
The third part is scheduled for completion next year, followed by the fourth and final part a year later.
The encyclopedia is designed to make research more accessible by integrating information from a wide range of disciplines. For example, a researcher studying the poet Ahmed Shawqi can find his critics and access books with their evaluations with just one click.
Approximately 1000 researchers specializing in religious sciences, Arabic language, and other fields have contributed to the project. Another 300 researchers working on literature and art, including theatre, novels, photography, and painting, joined this year, bringing the total membership to 1300 people.
Sheikh Sultan called the encyclopedia an unprecedented undertaking and emphasized the importance of developing knowledge, literature, thought, and religious scholarship.
In addition to major publishing projects, Sharjah also utilizes public spaces to encourage learning and assist the younger generation regarding their cultural heritage.
Columns in the Islamic Garden and Arab Garden leading to the House of Wisdom feature the names and stories of prominent thinkers. The Islamic Garden is dedicated to Islamic scholars, while the section leading to the Arab Capital of Culture honors Arab thinkers, both Muslim and non-Muslim.
The columns, named by Sheikh Sultan 'Teaches and Learns,' present brief descriptions of the lives and contributions of these figures. Visitors can read them in a few minutes, allowing parents to introduce their children to important intellectual and cultural figures.
Sheikh Sultan stated that acquiring knowledge requires personal dedication, intellectual effort, and hard work, not financial resources. He expressed hope that children will study their heritage and strengthen their confidence through expanding knowledge and cultural awareness.