The Book Culture of Belarusian Tatars

The 'Book Culture of Belarusian Tatars' is an exhibition held at The National Museum in Muscat, Oman, running from September 9 to November 6, 2026. Organized in cooperation with the National Library of Belarus, the exhibition presents unique examples of manuscript heritage belonging to the Belarusian Tatars.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Said bin Khalfan al-Mamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the exhibition highlights the cultural diversity of Belarus and the contributions of Muslim communities to the preservation and transmission of knowledge. Exhibits include Qur’anic manuscripts from the 19th and early 20th centuries, notable for using Arabic, Turkish, Belarusian, and Polish languages all written in Arabic script. Also featured are Qur’anic commentaries, thematically diverse handwritten texts known as kitabs, small prayer booklets called hamails, and even a medical book and literacy materials, demonstrating the broad functions of manuscripts beyond religious works.

Mr Vadzim Hihin, Director General of the National Library of Belarus, emphasized the historical significance of this written heritage, reflecting how Belarusian Tatars preserved their religion and identity within national life. The exhibition also symbolizes growing ties between Belarus and the Sultanate of Oman, with cooperation extending to a specialized training program for conservators.