What contributions the Fatimid Caliphs of Egypt made towards learning and libraries?

The Fatimid Caliphs of Egypt, who ruled from 969 to 1171 AD, made significant contributions to learning and the development of libraries in Egypt and the broader Islamic world. During their reign, the Fatimids founded a number of institutions of higher learning and established libraries to support scholarly research and the preservation of knowledge.

One of the most important libraries founded by the Fatimids was the Dar al-Ilm (House of Knowledge), which was established in Cairo in the 11th century. The Dar al-Ilm was a large and comprehensive library that contained a wide range of books, manuscripts, and other research materials on a variety of subjects. It was a major center of learning and scholarship in the Islamic world and was used by scholars from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

In addition to establishing libraries, the Fatimids also supported the translation of foreign works into Arabic, which helped to expand the range and diversity of the books available in their libraries. They also patronized scholars and intellectuals, who were often employed as librarians or researchers in the libraries that they founded. Overall, the Fatimid Caliphs played a key role in promoting learning and the preservation of knowledge in the Islamic world, and their contributions continue to be recognized and remembered to this day.