Latest news with #OCIS
Qatar Tribune
07-07-2025
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
QNL showcases rare Islamic scientific manuscripts at Oxford exhibition
QNA Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) is presenting a curated selection of rare Islamic scientific manuscripts at an exhibition titled 'Lines of Faith: Astronomy and the Art of the Astrolabe in the Islamic World,' to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS). Running from June 15 to October 15, 2025, the QNL display highlights the scientific significance of the astrolabe and its legacy in the Islamic world. The 'Lines of Faith' exhibition, of which the QNL display will be a part of, has been curated by OCIS in partnership with the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford. The display includes manuscripts from QNL's Heritage Library that shed light on the development and application of astronomical instruments in medieval Islamic societies. 'This display offers a unique opportunity to highlight the Islamic world's significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly through the lens of instruments like the astrolabe,' Information Services Librarian at QNL Dr. Huseyin Sen said, who is also responsible for curating QNL's display in the 'Lines of Faith' exhibition. 'The valuable manuscripts on display from our Heritage Library demonstrate our commitment to sharing this legacy with global audiences. These works serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of discovery and scientific inquiry that defined centuries of Arab-Islamic achievements,' Sen continued. An expert on medieval Arabic astronomy, Dr. Sen is responsible for historical maps and scientific instruments in QNL's Heritage Library collection. For her part, QNL Executive Director Tan Huism said the Library is committed to preserving and promoting Arab and Islamic heritage through strategic international collaborations. 'We strive to ensure that this heritage remains accessible to communities worldwide, further advancing our mission of supporting cultural exchange,' she said. 'This display showcases the special interest that QNL has with regards to Islamic scientific manuscripts and in highlighting the significant contributions of Islamic civilization to modern science.' In turn, OCIS Librarian Wassilena Sekulova said, 'The manuscripts from Qatar National Library are a valuable addition to the 'Lines of Faith' exhibition. They not only illustrate the technical sophistication involved in the construction of astrolabes, but also highlight the intellectual and literary traditions that enabled their creation.' As part of its broader efforts to preserve and promote Arabic and Islamic scientific heritage, QNL also provides access to digitized manuscripts through Qatar Digital Library, one of the world's largest platforms for open-access Arabic heritage materials.
The Herald Scotland
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Argyll inn to reopen after being bought by community
Since then, the Oakbank Community Inn Sandbank (OCIS) committee of volunteers behind the takeover of the venue, closed for over two years, has been busy attracting shareholders to 'buy' into the scheme with over 200 people from as far afield as the USA purchasing shares. Committee member Sue McKillop said: 'The majority of our shareholders are based around Sandbank and Dunoon but we have got people supporting us from across Scotland, the UK and further afield. The support we've received has been fantastic but we can't rest on our laurels. READ MORE: 'The pub was once one of three licensed establishments in Sandbank but the rapid decline in the number of pubs left us with nowhere for the community to gather when the venue last closed its doors. 'We face many challenges, not least a very steep learning curve for the committee and a need to raise ongoing funds for specific projects such as an exterior decking area with footpath to the local marina. We have set up a specific crowdfunder campaign to achieve this goal. 'We want to see the good times roll again at the Oakbank and transform this 160-year-old inn into a real community hub." Initial signs have been positive with recent 'bring your own beer' events proving to be popular - including a quiz night that got the venue "buzzing" again. Committee member Sue McKillop (Image: Supplied) Ms McKillop added: 'The feedback and support has been very encouraging and we're already formulating a programme of events prior to the pub opening 'for real' later this year. 'We also hope to run an American themed night on Friday July 4, Independence Day, to celebrate the key role of the US in the recent history of Sandbank with their navy based here from 1961 to 1991. 'This could lead to a permanent exhibition within the pub that looks back on this pivotal era for the community and would love local people to come along and share their memories and memorabilia.' The committee has also recently appointed a part-time development officer in Innellan-based businesswoman and life coach Dawn Petherick who will be overseeing a number of key aspects of pub's progress. Ms McKillop said: "Dawn will have a busy brief! There is a lot to do as we seek to engage with the entire community and we will be reordering the layout of the interior over the coming weeks and months. 'We will set a date for the reopening very soon but, until then, there's a long list of chores to carry out and a lot of boxes to tick!"
