Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Wins BolognaRagazzi Award for ‘The House of Wisdom’ and Hosts Reading Session in Italy
Riyadh, February 24, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder of Kalimat Group, has led a reading session for her latest book, ‘The House of Wisdom’, at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy, where she was awarded the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award in the fiction category.
The BolognaRagazzi Award is one of the most esteemed prizes in children’s publishing, recognizing books that demonstrate outstanding content, artistic design, and literary innovation. The award highlights Kalimat Group’s dedication to meaningful storytelling and fostering a culture of reading among young generations.
‘The House of Wisdom’ Brings the Grand Library of Baghdad to Young Readers
‘The House of Wisdom’ takes young readers on a journey through the history of Baghdad’s Grand Library, established by Caliph Harun Al-Rashid during the Islamic Golden Age. The book, illustrated by Majid Zakeri, explores the institution’s immense contributions to medicine, engineering, astronomy, and literature, before its destruction by Hulagu Khan, leader of the Mongol Empire.
Reflecting on the award, Sheikha Bodour emphasized the book’s mission:
"The House of Wisdom invites readers on a profound journey into the heart of Arab and Islamic civilization, shining a light on a rich legacy that continues to inspire and guide future generations. Through this book, we aim to celebrate the intellectual achievements of Arabs and Muslims, whose contributions laid the foundation for a global renaissance."
She added, "In today’s world, it is easy to overlook the origins of progress, yet every innovation has roots in the vision and efforts of pioneers who sowed the seeds of discovery. Our youth must understand their heritage, drawing strength from it to shape a brighter future."
Cultural Activities and Creative Workshops Celebrate the Award
To mark this achievement, Kalimat Group organized a reading session with children and youth, where Sheikha Bodour highlighted the House of Wisdom’s inclusive nature, which welcomed scholars from diverse backgrounds and languages, including Arabic, Persian, Aramaic, and Hebrew.
A notable historical anecdote shared during the session was Caliph Al-Mamun’s practice of paying translators the weight of their manuscripts in gold, emphasizing the priceless value of knowledge.
In collaboration with Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, a four-day cultural programme was launched on February 20, 2025, featuring:
Creative workshops led by French artist Benjamin Bené and Moroccan calligrapher Marouane Aouinat on February 21-22
Participation of 40 students from Rubu’ Qarn, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Sharjah Youth
An art exhibition opening on February 23, running until February 27, showcasing student creations inspired by the book
A Legacy of Knowledge for Future Generations
‘The House of Wisdom’ is designed to enhance reading skills and critical thinking while encouraging young readers to explore Arab history and its contributions to global knowledge. The book is available in Arabic and English at the House of Wisdom bookstore and the Kalimat Group website.
With this landmark award and engaging cultural initiatives, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi continues to champion the power of storytelling, ensuring that Arab heritage remains an integral part of global literary conversations.