• 2024-02-26

To increase international cultural exchange, the National Central Library and the Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei co-hosted the “2023 World Arabic Language Day and Arabic: The Language of Poetry and Art” Exhibition. It went from December 19-31. The opening ceremony was held on December 18 at the NCL reading room. NCL Director-General Shu-hsien Tseng and Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei Representative Adel F. Althaidi co-hosted the event. Representatives stationed in Taiwan from Jordan and Oman were also invited to attend. On display were ancient books, clothing, artifacts, and modern books related to Arabic. Important works of literature and poets were also introduced.

NCL Director-General Shu-hsien Tseng stated that Arabic is an important language in the world, with over 400 million people using it on a daily basis. In 2010, the United Nations declared December 18 as World Arabic Language Day. Saudi Arabia is Taiwan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and its largest crude oil supplier. The relationship between the two countries is very tight. This is the first time NCL collaborated with Saudi Arabia to put on an event. Consequently, Representative Althaidi visited NCL many times, and the faculty and students in the Arabic Department at National Cheng-chi University provided many valuable suggestions on the content and décor of the exhibition—making this exhibition a reality. It is worth noting that on display at this event were hand-written manuscripts of the Koran written in 1504 and an ancient Arabic book from 1702, which are the from the personal collection of International Student Center Director Mei-ting Huang at Fu Jen Catholic University International and Cross-Strait Education Center. These are rare works that are not seen often.

In recent years, NCL has expended much effort in developing international exchanges and expanding its influence worldwide. With regard to the consulates of its ally nations and representative offices in Taiwan, NCL has donated books, promoted reading, and other cultural events, such as French month and English reading events. Both of these events were well received. In terms of exhibitions, NCL has worked with Czechoslovakia, Germany, and Belize to promote their culture.

Recent regional conflicts have arisen, making the exhibition even more significant. In one sense, through cultural exchange people from different countries can better understand each other and appreciate each other’s cultures. In another sense, through the exhibition different generations can have an opportunity to view the beauty of the Arab culture. Regardless of if it is history, the writing of text and literature, through audio-video, text, and images the unique cultural flair of Arabic was put on display. It is hoped that through culture, conflict can be resolved, and through exchange to foster much more brilliant knowledge and civilization.