Written by Athina Pfeiffer (2025)

INtroduction

Al-Ahgaf Manuscripts Library (AML) was established in 1972 in Tarim, Yemen, to gather, preserve, and restore collections from private libraries belonging to several Yemeni families, as well as other sources. These include the libraries of Al Kaff, Bin Yahia, Bin Sahel, Al Juneid, Al Haddad, Ribat Tarim, Al Husseini, Al Aidarous from Al Aazem, and Al Sultan Salh Al Qoiti Library from Mukalla. Today, AML holds approximately 6,200 manuscripts, most of which date back to the 10th–11th century AH.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the resulting difficulty of accessing the country, AML is committed to providing digital copies of its materials, and hence this guide is based on my remote experiences.

However, if you can visit AML in person, it is recommended to contact the library in advance via WhatsApp or email for opening hours.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

AML is located in the old city of Tarim near al-Ranad Palace and it is attached to Tarim’s Great Mosque.

GETTING IN

It is recommended to contact AML in advance via WhatsApp or email to arrange a visit.

Finding your material

Manuscripts at AML are organized by theme rather than by origin. Each manuscript is assigned a shelfmark and accompanied by a corresponding card containing detailed information. Upon request, pictures of these cards can be shared via WhatsApp.

A spreadsheet listing AML’s manuscripts is available here. As of yet, there are no published catalogs.

Ordering your material

To consult physical manuscripts at AML, please contact AML beforehand either via WhatsApp or email.

Ordering scans

AML offers digital color copies of manuscripts upon request (for a fee). The easiest way to get started is by reaching out to AML via WhatsApp. They’ll ask you to share proof of your institutional affiliation and fill out a short request form (available here) in Arabic with the details of the manuscript(s) you’re interested in.

Once your request is approved, you can make the payment—about 1 USD per folio—using MoneyGram. After the payment goes through, AML will send the digital copies directly to you via WhatsApp.

The first scans may be blurry and difficult to read. In that case, AML’s staff will make an extra effort to send you higher quality images.

Food and well-being

AML has a bright and pleasant reading room. The staff is extremely helpful. Some manuscripts are exhibited—feel free to check them out!