Rare Documents

3. Hamza Abu Bakr Documents Collection (Archive Period: 1920–1980)

This collection, available in Arabic and French, forms a documentary bridge between East and West. Its importance comes from the central role played by its owner in strengthening the Islamic presence in Europe.

About the Collection Owner:

• Political and Media Role: He played a prominent role in Algerian radio during World War II, as well as in French political life, parliamentary activities, and advisory councils.
• Religious Leadership: He served as Imam of the Paris Mosque for more than (20) years, was Dean of the Islamic Institute there, and was a member of several Islamic and international councils.
• Religious and Scholarly Activities: He was distinguished by his extensive connections with Islamic organizations in the West and left behind a rich legacy of books, research papers, and lectures.

Collection Contents and Geographic Scope:

The collection contains a vast archive of personal, social, and political correspondence. It covers his relationships with the French government, Arab and foreign embassies, intellectuals, and researchers from: France, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and countries of Central and West Africa.

Main Issues and Documentary Examples:

• Jurisprudence of Minorities and Legislation: Religious rulings and legal consultations related to the life of Muslims in the West, including matters such as slaughtering, marriage and divorce, inheritance, Islamic cemeteries, and contemporary medical issues such as organ transplantation and medications that affect fasting, in addition to banking transactions.
• Dialogue Between Civilizations and Religions: Studies, research papers, and opinions reflecting efforts to address international challenges, including the Middle East issue, dialogue between religious representatives, and cultural understanding.
• World War II Archive: Rare materials including radio articles against Germany broadcast through Algerian Radio, and the 1942 U.S. Army statement directed to the peoples of North Africa, which corresponds with the statement addressed to the Iraqi people.
• Relationship with the Kingdom: Historical correspondence documenting the generous support and assistance provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Paris Mosque and services for pilgrims visiting the Holy Mosque.

4. British Documents Collection Related to King Abdulaziz (Archive Period: 1800–1953)

This collection, available in English, is considered one of the rarest and most important historical sources on the Arabian Peninsula. It provides images of original documents preserved in the British Archives (Public Record Office) in London.

About the Archive and Documentation Effort:

• Public Record Office: It contains documents collected by successive British governments over centuries. Its importance is exceptional due to the scarcity of local documents from those historical periods.
• Publications of the Research Center: Researcher Najda Fathi Safwat studied and collected these documents through his center in London and published them in a series of volumes titled: "The Arabian Peninsula in British Documents – Hejaz and Najd."

Coverage and Content:

These documents mainly cover the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, from the recovery of Riyadh until his death (may Allah have mercy on him). Their sources include:

• Diplomatic Reports: Extensive reports from British embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions.
• Regional Correspondence: Letters exchanged with princes and rulers of neighboring regions, such as Kuwait and Bahrain.
• Reports of British Officials: Notes and reports from historical figures who visited the region, such as T. E. Lawrence and Sir Percy Cox.
• Local Correspondence: Private letters from merchants and local leaders who maintained relations with the British presence at that time.

Historical Value and Selected Examples:

These sources help researchers understand King Abdulaziz's internal and foreign efforts and his political positions toward major powers. Among the notable examples preserved in the Library are:

• Brotherly Relations: Original copies of correspondence from King Abdulaziz to the Emir of Bahrain in 1913 regarding matters related to the treatment and affairs of Al-Ahsa merchants.
• Deep Historical Studies: A document in the form of a memorandum consisting of (118) pages, issued in 1934, documenting the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the reform movement of Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, based on old British reports, some dating back more than three centuries.

5. Khair Al-Din Al-Zirikli Documents Collection (Archive Period: 1920–1975)

This collection, available in Arabic, represents a rich archive documenting the journey of one of the most prominent figures in Saudi cultural and diplomatic history: historian and minister Khair Al-Din Al-Zirikli.

About the Collection Owner (Political and Cultural Career):

• Early Roles: He held cultural, educational, and journalistic positions in Beirut and Damascus before settling in Makkah in 1921. He witnessed the Great Syrian Revolt in 1925.
• Saudi Diplomatic Representation: He was appointed advisor to the Saudi Arabian Delegation in Egypt in 1934.
  • He represented the Kingdom in the preliminary discussions for establishing the League of Arab States and signing its charter.
  • In 1946, he was assigned to manage the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jeddah.
  • In 1951, he was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the League of Arab States, and later became Saudi Ambassador to Morocco in 1957.
• Scientific Memberships and Publications: He became a member of scientific academies in Damascus (1930), Egypt (1946), and Iraq (1960). His most famous works include: "The Arabian Peninsula During the Era of King Abdulaziz" (1970) and "The Brief Biography of King Abdulaziz" (1972).

Collection Contents and Types of Documents:

The collection contains a vast archive consisting of royal orders and political reports covering the reigns of Kings Abdulaziz, Saud, and Faisal. It includes:

• Correspondence and Reports: Copies of local telegrams, memorandums, newspaper review reports, and political and intellectual proposals and opinions.
• International Relations: Documentation of official meetings with presidents and ministers, especially in: Egypt, Greece, Morocco, Syria, and Lebanon.
• Cultural Activities: Documents covering seminars, conferences, and personal and cultural correspondence.

Selected Examples from the Collection:

• Security and Borders: Documents recording events that occurred on the Saudi-Iraqi borders, along with correspondence from King Abdulaziz to tribal leaders to strengthen security preservation.
• Diplomatic Missions: A detailed report on Khair Al-Din Al-Zirikli’s meeting with the King of Greece while serving as an official envoy of King Abdulaziz.

6. Multiple Private and Public Source Collections

This collection represents a comprehensive archive containing materials from diverse sources. It holds exceptional historical importance due to its close connection with the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the establishment of its institutions.

Main Contents and Documentary Files:

• Royal and Diplomatic Archive: The collection includes documents related to King Abdulaziz (may Allah have mercy on him) in Arabic and English, in addition to his correspondence with Haj Amin Al-Husseini concerning the Palestinian situation, confronting Jewish immigration, and reconciliation among Muslims.
• Official Telegrams: Includes a large number of telegrams, some encrypted, dating back to 1349 AH / 1930 AD. These were sent from King Abdulaziz’s Court to the Minister of Finance, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and regional princes, as well as telegrams issued by the administration of the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd and its dependencies.
• Military and Social History: Rare documents concerning the Saudi Army’s camel corps, lists of participants in the Battle of Al-Sabala, and information about tribes and settlements.
• Historical Manuscripts: Holdings containing manuscripts dating back to the 12th and 17th centuries AD.

Nature and Formats of Documents:

These collections derive their value from the importance of their original owners and the historical events recorded within them. Their formats include:

• Administrative and Political Documents: Telegrams, reports, memorandums, correspondence, certificates, legal and political consultations, economic documents, meeting minutes, contracts, and interrogations.
• Intellectual and Media Content: Analytical articles, newspaper clippings, newsletters, lectures, studies, biographies, book drafts, and personal invitations.
• Physical Condition: Original documents handwritten, typed, or printed.

In conclusion, these extensive documentary collections confirm the role of King Abdulaziz Public Library as a global custodian of human and political heritage, and as an indispensable destination for researchers seeking information from original, accurate, and highly reliable sources.