Documenting the Greatness of Ahmed bin Majid as-Saady

In a remarkable endeavor to celebrate the achievements of the Omani navigator Ahmed bin Majid as-Saady, the National Museum has issued a special edition titled “Collection in Marine Science.” This publication sheds light on the origins of the manuscript “Kitab al-Fawa’id fi ‘Ilm al-Bahr wa al-Qawa’id” (Collection of Manuscripts of Benefits in the Science of the Sea and Rules And the abbreviation container in the origins of marine science and Arajiz).

This valuable manuscript has been on loan from the al-Assad National Library in the Syrian Arab Republic to the National Museum since 2019 CE, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the National Museum team, the National Records and Archives Authority, and the support of the development institution of the Oman LNG Company.

In his opening speech for the publication, His Excellency Jamal bin Hassan al-Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, emphasized the significance of displaying the original manuscript by Ahmed bin Majid as-Saady. He highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and cooperation between the National Museum and the Ministry of Culture of the Syrian Arab Republic.

His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Muhammad al-Duwayani, Chairman of the National Documents and Archives Authority, praised the cultural and documentary cooperation between Oman and Syria, acknowledging the importance of Ahmed bin Majid’s works in Arab and Islamic thought and culture.

His Excellency Dr. Bassam al-Khatib, Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, spoke about the deep cultural ties between the two countries and how the manuscript’s display reflects this historical connection.

The special edition consists of 722 pages and includes various sections such as an introduction by Dr. Humaid bin Saif Al-Nawfali, an introduction to the edition, a section on the copy of the edition, manuscript letters, preserving and preserving the manuscript, and a review of the photocopied version of the manuscript, along with displaying the manuscript’s details.

Notably, the “Collection of proses in Marine science” manuscript was exhibited at the Maritime History Gallery at the National Museum for 3 months in 2021 CE. This manuscript, dating back to the 16th century CE, is considered the oldest manuscript of Ahmad bin Majid in the world and contains a collection of Arajiz (poems) in marine science. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable figure.