National Library opens in Syria’s Raqqa to revive cultural heritage
The National Library in Raqqa Governorate, northern Syria – North Press
By Fatima Khaled
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The National Library in the city of Raqqa, northern Syria, located in the old neighborhood of the Rabiya al-Raqi near the Raqqa archaeological museum, is merged with the old walls of the houses and the vibrant colors of the paintings.
The National Library in Raqqa opened on Oct. 3 coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the expulsion of the Islamic State (ISIS) from the city, and started receiving intellectuals and readers.
In January 2014, ISIS fully captured the city of Raqqa from Syrian opposition factions and later declared it as the de-facto capital of its caliphate. The extremist group was expelled from the city in October 2017 after a four-month battle with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the US-led Global Coalition.
With over 12,000 titles, Manaf Musa, the director of the National Library, told North Press the library holds great significance for the people of Raqqa, who have long endured the absence of books after ISIS’s control of the city.
Archaeological Space
The preparation and construction of library began three years ago after all cultural sites in Raqqa were destroyed as a result of the war. During their control of the city, ISIS destroyed cultural centers, burned books and all contents of the libraries, and targeted intellectuals.
Musa further explained the Culture and Antiquities Committee of Raqqa’s Civil Council, affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), decided to open the library in the Rabiya al-Raqi neighborhood near the Raqqa Archaeological Museum and al-Kabir Mosque. This area would serve as an archaeological space that represents the cultural identity of Raqqa.
He added that they collected books with 12,000 different titles from old cultural centers, which were destroyed during the war. Additionally, some book were donated by intellectuals in Raqqa to the National Library, with the aim of enriching it with various types of books.
The books are categorized into 20 sections in various fields and for all age groups, including local literature, world literature, philosophy, science, and politics, according to Musa.
The library provides books available in three languages, Arabic, English, and Kurdish, to attract all readers with various backgrounds, intellectual interests, and orientations.
Historical Character
The building of the National Library is marked by its Abbasid character. The outer walls are adorned with locally-made bricks, adding an ancient and simple charm and touch of Raqqa’s ancient heritage to the library.
The building has multiple sections, including the bookshelves area, a reading hall, and a separate space for hosting winter events. The walls of the building, both inside and outside are decorated with artwork made by artists from Raqqa.
“We, as the National Library, take it upon ourselves to protect the written intangible heritage of Raqqa to deliver it to intellectuals. We recovered some of these books from under the rubble of old cultural centers that were destroyed during the war,” Musa said.
The opening ceremony of the library was simple without following formal protocols to add a sense of sophistication to the library and to include all people, according to the director of the library.
He described the National Library as a savior of the culture in Raqqa in particular, and for intellectuals after the city experienced “rough years.”
Encourage reading
According to Musa, the National Library set up a borrowing system for interested individuals. They can leave their ID cards and borrow books from 15 to 30 days, depending on the book.
They are also working on adding an outdoor cinema theater to the library, besides the currently available winter hall.
Moreover, the library is situated in the lively center of the city, right next to the Raqqa Archaeological Museum and the al-Kabir Mosque. These sites are two of the most notable landmarks of the city’s heritage, making it accessible for writers and intellectuals.
He explained the objective was for “the people to find a mix of their culture, identity, and beautiful days forcibly taken away by war in this place.”
At present, intellectuals in Raqqa hold literary and poetry events at the National Library with the goal of collecting products of culture and to stress the significance of establishing the library while promoting reading, which has positive impacts on society, Musa said.
According to the director, there are plans to host lectures that promote culture, thought and art, and tackle politics as well. Additionally, book exhibitions will be organized to highlight the importance of books.