BA Receives the Kiswah of the Ka’abah
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The BA received the Kiswah of the Ka’abah, donated to the BA by Mr. Yashar Helmy, on Monday, 22 August. It was received during a special celebration, which was organized and held by the Library and was attended by a large number of esteemed officials.
After receiving the kiswah, BA Director Dr. Ismail Serageldin delivered a speech to the audience on the history of the antique artifact, stating that it dates back to the year 1830—the time of the Turkish Sultan Mahmud II and Muhammad Ali of Egypt.
He also declared that the kiswah will be situated in the middle of the Main Reading Area. During the coming few weeks, another celebration will be held after placing the kiswah in its allocated location.
Dr. Serageldin added that Egypt’s history has been closely tied to the manufacturing to the kiswah for the last two centuries. He also clarified that this particular one was made in Turkey.
Mr. Yashar Helmy stated that he is currently coordinating with the BA to donate other acquisitions from his personal collection.
Some eminent figures who participated in the celebration include Dr. Soad el-Kholi, vice-governor of Alexandria; Engineer Hoda Elmikaty, BA Deputy Director; and numerous consuls.