Doha: A seminar titled “From Engraving to Writing” at the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) on Thursday highlighted the journey of human writing over 6,000 years, tracing its development through different eras, culminating in the digital revolution that has reshaped publishing and knowledge in the modern age.
According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar, named after the fair’s official theme, was moderated by Head of the Editorial Unit at the Doha Historical Dictionary Dr. Muqbil Al Tam Al Ahmadi. Dr. Mohammad Harb Farzat, a researcher in the history of civilizations in the Arab East, outlined the key milestones in writing, from primitive engravings on rocks to its critical role in building civilizations by transmitting knowledge across generations. He emphasized that writing is the energy that freed human thought from the constraints of time and space.
Early symbols evolved into a complete system capable of preserving philosophy, literature, and even law. Dr. Farzat also stressed the importance of the Arabic language in safeguarding cultural identity, citing its linguistic and conceptual richness. Heritage and Rare Books Advisor at Qatar Foundation Mohammad Hammam Fikri discussed the history of printing and digital transformation. He explained how books evolved from rare handwritten manuscripts to widely accessible publications due to the invention of printing.
He added that the current digital revolution is an extension of the printing revolution, yet even more impactful, turning books from physical objects into virtual entities that transcend borders. Fikri also highlighted Qatar National Library’s efforts to digitize rare manuscripts, describing this as a necessity to preserve heritage, especially amid regional crises. He further explored the history of printing in Qatar, noting that Qataris’ passion for books dates back centuries before the advent of printing presses.
He pointed out that the historic city of Zubarah was a cultural hub in the 18th century, hosting literary gatherings where scholars and poets engaged in discussions on jurisprudence and literature. At the conclusion of the seminar, both speakers emphasized that the Doha International Book Fair, through its theme, reflects the continuity of human civilization. They affirmed that books serve as a bridge between past and future, especially with digital transformation initiatives that safeguard heritage and make knowledge accessible to new generations without limitations.