The visit was attended by Seyyed Javad Mousavi, Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Khorasan Razavi Province, and Hoj. Seyyed Jalal Hosseini, Head of the Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents Center of Astan Qods Razavi (AQR).

Referring to the long history of the AQR Central Library, Hoj. Hosseini said: “It is necessary to preserve the history and culture of the country and take precise and effective measures in this regard.”

He stated: “This library holds a prominent position within AQR and the country and has always been a focus of attention for managers and officials.”

The Head of the Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents Center of AQR also introduced a selection of the organization’s resources and activities, including the preservation of manuscripts, particularly a unique collection of handwritten Qurans in the library and museum; providing remote services to audiences from different countries through the digital library and museum; and preserving information resources in digital form.

Hoj. Hosseini added: “By utilizing the capacities of various national institutions through joint cooperation, valuable steps can be taken to maintain, restore and protect manuscripts, ensuring that these treasures are not taken out of the country.”

He also pointed to the unparalleled collection of historical and cultural works housed in the shrine’s museum and its selection as the country’s top museum by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), stating: “Construction of the AQR comprehensive museum has begun, and we hope to witness important developments in this field in the future.”

AQR managers also put forward suggestions for expanding cooperation between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and AQR, which were welcomed by Darabi and his accompanying delegation.

During the program, the guests also became closely acquainted with a selection of precious Quranic manuscripts from the AQR Central Library, including the Baysunghur Quran and the Ibrahim Sultan Quran. These works have been republished in facsimile editions.

The program concluded with the presentation of a blessed cultural gift by the Head of the Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents Center of AQR to the deputy minister of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts, followed by a tour of several sections of the Central Library.