In line with its vision to exchange knowledge and literature as well as promote affinity between the Islamic world and surrounding communities, the Muhammad Bin Hamad Al-Thani Center for Muslim Contributions to Civilization (CMCC), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies (CIS), recently showcased its publications at the London Book Fair (LBF) 2018. The exhibition took place at the Olympia London, United Kingdom, and welcomed over 25,000 publishing professionals and attendees from more than 118 countries. 

Established in 1983, CMCC joined HBKU’s CIS in 2010 with the aim of providing non-Arabic speakers with access to scholarly works that emphasize the richness and diversity of Islamic heritage. Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, dean of CIS, said: “We would be remiss to forget that scholarly contributions from our region in the past have transformed the modern world as we know it. The past has often been a prologue to the future. Our yearly participation at the fair means that we are able to exhibit Islamic books that build on the rich legacy of the past. By actively translating and supporting the works of our greatest scholars and artists, we hope to help to bridge the knowledge gap between the Middle East and the West.”

Since its inception, CMCC has translated a large number of major works by Muslim scholars in a variety of languages, spanning the period from the 1st to the 9th century A.H. The center has participated in numerous global book fairs to date, making its LBF debut in 2016 with the Great Books of Islamic Civilization Series. 

“As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, London is the perfect platform to present the distinguished work of Muslims throughout history,” notes Dr. Aisha Al-Mannai, director of CMCC. “We are extremely proud of the work we do at CMCC, and I speak on behalf of the center when I say that we are delighted to participate in the world-renowned LBF for another consecutive year. Our outreach efforts seek to effectively address an urgent need among international readers to receive relevant translations of the most notable works of the Islamic heritage, which illustrate the civilizational and human contribution of Muslims on a global scale.”

Celebrating its 47-year anniversary, the annual LBF is a global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. The week-long fair creates an innovative space for attendees and exhibitors to learn, network, and generate business.

Located in Education City, HBKU is a member of Qatar Foundation for education, science, and community development.