Rare historical treasures are attracting attention at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, with the collection bringing together manuscripts, religious texts, artwork and other pieces from different periods of history.
One of the notable items is an almost 1,800-year-old fragment of Homer’s Iliad, written on papyrus. The ancient fragment offers a glimpse into the preservation and transmission of one of the world’s best-known classical works.
The collection also includes a 17th-century Bible decorated with gold and precious stones. The historic book was presented as a royal wedding gift, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
Visitors can also see Japanese picture scrolls dating back to 1658, which are valued at around €450,000. The scrolls represent another part of the collection’s wide range of historical and artistic works.
A UAE connection is also featured through a life-sized bronze sculpture of Sheikh Zayed’s favourite falcon, known as “No. 1”. The sculpture was created by British artist David Cemmick after he studied the ruler’s falcons.
Together, the exhibits offer visitors an opportunity to explore rare pieces connected to literature, religion, art and the history of the UAE.
