Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that the Organization is keenly focused on promoting the cultures of calligraphy and manuscripts, based on its vision to support all aspects of human creativity in the fields of science, literature, and the arts. This effort also aims to expand pioneering work channels centered on innovation, renewal, and enlightenment. He also announced that ICESCO will soon inaugurate its specialized center for the cultures of calligraphy and manuscripts.

This was part of a recorded speech delivered by Dr. AlMalik during the opening session of 5th Joint International Conference dubbed “Manuscripts of the Seventh Hijri Century: Medicine, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences – History & Philosophy of Science” organized by Darul Makhtutat in Istanbul, in collaboration with the Al-Rasikhon Fil-Ilm association in Kuwait and the University of Cambridge, which hosted the Conference sessions on 10 – 12 September 2024. The Event saw high-level participation from a host of distinguished international experts in the field of heritage and manuscripts.

In his speech, ICESCO’s Director-General expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the organizers for selecting ICESCO as the guest of honor at the Conference. He explained that manuscripts are living witnesses to the cultural authenticity, linguistic identity, and civilizational image of the Islamic world. They also serve as bridges of shared knowledge with others in the fields of universal, natural, and applied sciences. He praised the University of Cambridge, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, for hosting this important conference, which focused on the manuscripts of the seventh Hijri century—a period regarded as the second golden age of the Muslim renaissance and the flourishing of their civilization across all areas of human knowledge.

Dr. Idham Hanash, expert at ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, participated in the Conference with a presentation titled “Illustrations in Medical Manuscripts of the Seventh Hijri Century: Between Scientific Verification and Artistic Analysis.” His presentation addressed medical topics featured in manuscript illustrations, such as portraits of sages and physicians, scientific instruments, and medical devices. He also highlighted the artistic aspects of medical manuscripts, including calligraphy and ornamentation.