Written by Athina Pfeiffer and Mathias Ghyoot (2024)

INtroduction

The Egyptian National Library is the largest library in Egypt and is divided into two sites: one at the Corniche, which holds the physical manuscripts, books, and periodicals, and another at Bab al-Khalq which holds a small reference section, yet more importantly, microfilms of manuscripts. Anyone looking for manuscripts in Egypt will first have to go to Bab al-Khalq. Large parts of the Egyptian National Library’s manuscript collection has been microfilmed, and getting access to physical manuscripts can be difficult at the Corniche. Additionally, at Bab al-Khalq, one can find microfilms of manuscripts not stored at the Corniche. The library at Bab al-Khalq is open Sunday through Thursday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Location: Google Maps.

GOING THERE

The library is located in the neighborhood called Bab al-Khalq behind the new Islamic Museum (al-Mathaf al-Islami). Grab a taxi or an Uber to the Islamic Museum.

GETTING IN

To access the library you must deposit your physical passport (not a copy), and register at the reception by putting your name, address, and job position in the registrar. Bring as few items with you as possible: you have to leave your bag in a personal, locked locker, and you cannot bring in any books (whether in Arabic or English). You are, however, allowed to bring in electronic devices (e.g., computer and phone) in addition to food and water. If you wish to order scans (see below) don’t forget to bring two photocopies of your passport and of a document attesting that you’re an enrolled student (if your student card has no expiration date, a copy of this is not enough). After the reception, head upstairs by climbing the huge staircase and turn left, past the bookshop and the notary. Then, you climb another staircase, and turn right by the elevator: you’ve now arrived at the Microfilm Section. Again, you will have to register your name in the registrar.

Finding your material

The library has an internal catalog that can only be accessed on-site. There are multiple computers to do so (but only a few work). You are not allowed to photograph the catalog entries on the screen (don’t forget to bring pen and paper). The librarian will help you set up the computer; you can only search in Arabic. Important: the microfilm numbers are different from the manuscript numbers (and sometimes from the microfilm number in physical catalogs). To find this number, which you will need to order your material, search for the title and/or author and/or manuscript number in the system. Then, click on the hyperlink “MARK” on the entry and look for the microfilm number — usually a 4 to 5 digit number below the manuscript shelf mark. Some manuscripts have several microfilm numbers; there is no way to know which number is correct but to look at them all.

For certain collections, e.g. the Taymuriyya Collection, the librarian has access to a notebook in which you will be able to look up the microfilm number that corresponds to the manuscript number in the physical catalogs.

Ordering your material

To order your material, ask for a little slip of paper. There you can order a maximum of three microfilms per day. You only need to indicate the microfilm number, sometimes the title, and your personal information. Take the slip, cross the room and enter the microfilm reading area through the glass doors. There you will be greeted by two librarians, one in charge of receiving the order, another of fetching the microfilm. Again, don’t forget to register your name in yet another registrar. Once the microfilm has been fetched, the librarian will set up the microfilm for reading. You are not allowed to take photographs.

Ordering scans

You can only order three scans a day and a maximum of eight a year (for students). Let the librarian know that you wish to order a scan, and do yourself the favor of noting down the number of images (will often correspond to a folio) - this will be important later on. You can ask the librarian to help you count the images. The other librarian will request a photocopy of your passport and of a document attesting that you’re an enrolled student. He will then prepare a request form (talab) that you will have to bring to the librarian in the previous room, who will check whether that microfilm has already been digitized. If not, go back to the reading room and inform the librarians that you will need a scan. For students, the cost of scanning is 3 EGP per image + a processing fee of 5 EGP.

At the Bab al-Khalq, you can only pay cash and only if the amount does not exceed 500 EGP (your maximum daily order should therefore not exceed 165 images). If the total amount exceeds 500 EGP you will have to pay at the notary on the Corniche (this is notoriously laborious process that requires an Egyptian visa card, and we therefore advise you not to place an order worth more than 500 EGP). Then, bring the request form downstairs to the notary (whose name is Mustafa) and pay in cash. He will require another photocopy of your passport and of a document attesting that you’re an enrolled student. You will then receive a receipt which you will bring upstairs to the first librarian who helped you search the catalog. He will then make a CD with a copy of your requested microfilm scan. He cannot send the scan via email nor can you bring a USB. Burning the CDs can take time; you might have to come back the next day. Once the CDs are ready, the librarian will require you to go over the scans with him on the computer, this in order to ensure the quality of the scans.

Food and well-being

There is no cafeteria in the library and we recommend you bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. If you’re lucky, you will be offered tea.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

Visiting the Bab al-Khalq can be a kafkaesque experience: be patient! There are many rules and regulations, and the bureaucracy is heavy. Arrive early in the morning because ordering three scans can well take more than six hours.