Sharjah Ruler Launches Portuguese Edition of Historical Work on Portuguese in Oman, Announces Future Book
- Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, launched the Portuguese edition of his publication, “The Portuguese in the Sea of...
- Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi directed the restoration of Arabic manuscripts held by the Academy, demonstrating support for Arab cultural heritage and the preservation of rare documents.
- Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi stated that his membership in the Academy of Lisbon Sciences, obtained on October 3, 2013, compelled him to become an active member.
Sharjah Ruler Launches Portuguese Edition of Historical Work, Supports Manuscript Restoration
– His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, launched the Portuguese edition of his publication, “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman, Events in Annals from 1497 to 1757,” on Saturday, at the Academy of Lisbon Sciences. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Book Authority, was present at the launch.
During the event, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi directed the restoration of Arabic manuscripts held by the Academy, demonstrating support for Arab cultural heritage and the preservation of rare documents.
Addressing the launch, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi stated that his membership in the Academy of Lisbon Sciences, obtained on October 3, 2013, compelled him to become an active member. He explained that he had collected all documents related to Portuguese history from Portuguese archival centers, dedicating his scholarly efforts to studying numerous specialized books and references on the history of Portugal, specifically tracing the Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean.
This dedication culminated in the publication of his 21-volume work, “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman, Events in Annals from 1497 to 1757,” which chronicles the history of the Portuguese from their entry into the Indian Ocean until the fall of the Kingdom of Hormuz and their departure from Oman, marking the beginning of British influence in the region. His efforts did not stop there, as he also published “Collection of Dates for the Arabian Peninsula and Persia: Events in Annals from 1622 to 1810,” a 33-volume work containing documents in English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Ottoman languages, detailing the conflicts and wars between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British in the area.
New Book on the Horizon
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi announced the upcoming release of a new book at the Sharjah International Book Fair in November. The book, titled “The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean, Events in Annals from 1507 to 1748,” will consist of 25 volumes and cover the history of the Portuguese in India, East Africa, and several Asian countries. He pledged to continue his research and writing on Portuguese history and indicated that the book signing would take place at the Academy, if possible.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi signed the first Portuguese copies of “The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean,” gifting them to the Academy of Lisbon Sciences and its officials. He also received several commemorative gifts from the Academy.
Facts and Documents
Attendees viewed a film showcasing the publication, released by Al Qasimi Publications, highlighting the facts and documents contained within, and its historical and research significance. The work enables researchers to access historical events that occurred during the Portuguese presence in the region and provides opportunities for further scientific studies and investigations of the documents it provides.
The book is arranged chronologically, with each volume containing events that occurred in each year, presented in the form of annals. Each volume also includes a search index and detailed footnotes for the documents. The historical achievement extends beyond simply presenting letters and documents, encompassing complete books and rare works by Portuguese authors published for the first time.
An Invaluable Treasure
The publication is considered a priceless historical treasure, documenting important and vital events that took place in the Sea of Oman over a period of 260 years. It reveals historical facts mentioned for the first time, supported by rigorous scientific research and thorough study.
The book offers a documented historical reading of a pivotal period in the region’s history, based on original Portuguese documents and rare primary sources. It re-examines the Portuguese presence in the Sea of Oman within its historical, maritime, and economic context, moving beyond simplistic narratives or one-sided interpretations. The work highlights the region’s role in the networks of navigation, trade, and cultural communication in the Indian Ocean, recognizing it as an influential historical actor, not merely a stage for events. Readers are taken on a journey through time, witnessing the events and circumstances of that era as recorded in Portuguese correspondence, speeches, and writings, revealing the political, economic, and social life of the Sea of Oman region.
The launch of the Portuguese edition is part of an integrated knowledge project led by the Ruler of Sharjah, focused on re-reading the history of the Arab region in its interaction with the world and presenting it to readers through scientific research and accurate documentation. The publication aligns with a cultural vision that sees translation as a key tool for dialogue between cultures and historical documents as the foundation for understanding the past and building shared knowledge.
The publication reflects the deep cultural and academic relationship between the Ruler of Sharjah and Portugal, particularly with prestigious institutions such as the University of Coimbra. His Highness’s initiatives have supported Arabic studies and promoted the presence of the Arabic language in European universities, alongside joint projects to preserve written human heritage, including the digitization of manuscripts and rare books and making them available to researchers worldwide.
Following the launch ceremony, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi examined a collection of rare Arabic manuscripts held by the Academy of Lisbon Sciences, directing the restoration of 90 Arabic manuscripts to be displayed in a dedicated space within the Academy after their restoration.
The Arabic manuscripts held by the Academy of Lisbon cover diverse fields, including copies of the Quran, the Muwatta of Imam Malik, books on geography and meteorology, and collections of Arabic proverbs and sayings, dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries.