SHARJAH: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder of Kalimat Group, has won the BolognaRagazzi Award in the fiction category for her latest book, The House of Wisdom, at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy. Aimed at young readers aged nine and above, the book explores the legacy of the House of Wisdom, the Grand Library of Baghdad, established during the Islamic Golden Age.
The BolognaRagazzi Award recognises exceptional children’s books for their content and artistic quality. This honour highlights Al Qasimi’s commitment to promoting meaningful storytelling and fostering a culture of reading.
Illustrated by Majid Zakeri, The House of Wisdom takes readers through the rise and fall of Baghdad’s legendary knowledge hub, which was destroyed by Mongol leader Hulagu Khan. The book encourages young minds to appreciate the role of knowledge in shaping society while inspiring them to explore science, history, and their potential impact on the future.
Reflecting on the award, Sheikha Bodour said, “The House of Wisdom invites readers on a profound journey into the heart of Arab and Islamic civilisation, shining a light on a rich legacy that continues to inspire and guide future generations.”
To celebrate the award, Kalimat Group hosted a reading session where Sheikha Bodour highlighted the House of Wisdom’s contributions to fields like medicine, engineering, and astronomy. She shared the historical anecdote of Caliph Al-Mamun, who rewarded translators with gold equal to their manuscripts’ weight, showcasing knowledge’s immense value.
A cultural programme followed, with creative workshops led by French artist Benjamin Bené and Moroccan calligrapher Marouane Aouinat. The exhibition featuring students’ artworks runs until February 27 at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom.
The book is available in Arabic and English at the House of Wisdom bookstore and the Kalimat Group website.
