In 1517, the armies of Sultan Selim I entered Cairo, marking the end of the Mamluk era in Egypt, although some Mamluks retained positions of influence under Ottoman rule. This conquest was not merely a political transition but a transformative event that profoundly impacted the Islamic world. Egypt, the heart of the Arab world and a prominent center of trade and culture, became an Ottoman province. In the aftermath of the conquest, a significant question persists: what transpired in Alexandria, specifically concerning its renowned library? While the very existence of a library in Alexandria at the time of the Ottoman conquest is subject to debate, some accounts suggest that, while not possessing the same legendary scale as in antiquity, it may have contained a collection of books and manuscripts. Did the Ottomans neglect this potential repository of knowledge? Did they actively destroy it? Or did they recognize its inherent value and discreetly conceal its contents? Did they effectively erase a portion of Egypt’s historical legacy, or did they preserve valuable treasures from potential loss, thereby creating an enduring enigma?

The Library of Alexandria: A Beacon of Ancient Knowledge

The Library of Alexandria, a cornerstone of ancient knowledge, was more than just a repository of books; it was a beacon of science and intellectual thought. Established in the 3rd century BC by Ptolemy I Soter, it owes its greatest development to Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who sought to establish Alexandria as a rival to Athens in cultural and scientific prominence. Envision an estimated seven hundred thousand papyrus scrolls, encompassing the sciences and philosophies of the Greeks, ancient Egyptians, Persians, and potentially knowledge from other regions. The library’s function extended beyond the preservation of texts; it served as a center for advanced scientific research. It was here that astronomers like Eratosthenes, who accurately calculated the Earth’s circumference, and mathematicians like Euclid, who established the foundations of geometry, conducted their work. It was also here that the Torah was translated into Greek, and the works of Homer were compiled. The library functioned as a comprehensive university, comprising lecture halls, gardens, museums, and residences for scholars. It is documented that ships docking in the port of Alexandria were required to surrender manuscripts for copying, with the copies returned to their owners while the originals were retained in the library. This practice facilitated the accumulation and diversification of knowledge, establishing the library as the preeminent center of knowledge in the ancient world.

The Ottoman Conquest and the Library’s Fate

Did the Ottomans disregard this invaluable resource? What became of the Library of Alexandria following the Ottoman conquest? This question demands a thorough investigation. Its fate remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting narratives. Some assert that the Ottomans paid no attention to the library and that it was already in a state of decline prior to their arrival. Others suggest deliberate destruction or neglect that resulted in the loss of its valuable contents. Certain Western sources claim that Sultan Selim I ordered the burning of the library’s contents, arguing that the Quran contained sufficient knowledge for Muslims. However, this account lacks conclusive evidence from Ottoman sources and is widely considered by historians to be apocryphal.

Conversely, some Ottoman documents indicate a limited interest in specific aspects of Egypt’s scientific heritage, with some rare manuscripts being transferred from Cairo to Istanbul. However, were these manuscripts sourced from the Library of Alexandria? And were they of exceptional significance? Definitive proof remains elusive. Some researchers posit that the Ottomans prioritized religious and administrative matters and did not dedicate significant attention to Greek science and philosophy.

Concealment or Preservation? Unanswered Questions

Therefore, did the Ottomans conceal information? Were valuable knowledge resources secretly transferred to Istanbul, or elsewhere, to remain hidden from public view? These questions remain unanswered and necessitate further investigation. Is there evidence of a deliberate cover-up? These questions require rigorous research and examination of Ottoman documents and other relevant sources. Can we uncover conclusive evidence of a systematic attempt to conceal the library’s fate?

Seeking Answers: Research Avenues

The Ottoman archives in Istanbul represent the primary point of inquiry. Records from the Sharia courts may reveal directives pertaining to the library and its contents. Documents indicating the transfer of valuable books to Istanbul, or orders for their destruction, may potentially surface. Are there indications within the “Defter-i Mühimme” (Register of Important Affairs) records that allude to specific orders concerning the Library of Alexandria?

The archaeological dimension cannot be overlooked. Do archaeological excavations at the site of the ancient library reveal tangible evidence? Perhaps remnants of burnt books or fragments of concealed manuscripts. While excavations have not yielded definitive results, is it necessary to re-evaluate the methodologies employed, focusing on the search for archaeological layers dating back to the Ottoman era?

Analyzing the writings of historians and travelers who visited Alexandria during the Ottoman period is crucial. Did they mention the library in their accounts? Did they allude to any suspicious activities related to books or manuscripts? “Description de l’Égypte,” overseen by Napoleon Bonaparte and contributed to by numerous scholars, may provide valuable insights into the state of antiquities and libraries in Egypt during that period.

Ottoman official accounts should be compared with local Egyptian accounts. Will this comparison reveal any discrepancies that may suggest an attempt to conceal the actual events?

Motives for Concealment: Power, Ideology, and Control

The Ottoman conquest of Egypt represented a significant geopolitical shift. What could have been the motive behind a potential concealment of such ancient knowledge? The answer lies at the core of the Ottoman Empire’s ideology. At the zenith of their power, the Ottomans embraced a vision predicated on the centralization of religious and political authority in Istanbul. The Library of Alexandria, assuming its continued existence and its wealth of scientific and philosophical knowledge, may have posed a threat to this centralization.

Imagine manuscripts containing scientific theories that contradicted prevailing understandings, philosophical texts that challenged the absolute authority of the Sultan. Would the survival of such knowledge have potentially incited dissent and doubt among the subjects of the empire, particularly in Egypt, which had not yet been fully integrated into the Ottoman system?

The Ottoman Empire was committed to consolidating its Sunni Islamic identity. Did they perceive the sciences of the ancient Greeks and Romans, which flourished in Alexandria, as a source of cultural confusion and deviation from the faith? Destroying or concealing these texts could have been viewed as a form of cultural cleansing aimed at promoting Ottoman intellectual dominance.

Competition with European powers was intense, and control over knowledge equated to strategic advantage. Did the Ottomans seek to seize some of this knowledge for their own benefit, concealing its existence from others to secure their superiority?

Conspiracy theories abound regarding the fate of the Library of Alexandria; some suggest that it involves concealing historical facts that are not aligned with specific interests. Perhaps they believed that certain texts revealed secrets about ancient civilizations or methods of governance that contradicted their ideology. Or perhaps they feared that this knowledge would challenge their authority or inspire movements of rebellion.

Obscuring historical facts is not a novel practice; numerous empires and authorities have engaged in it throughout history. The objective is often to rewrite history to serve their interests, consolidate their power, and legitimize their rule. In the case of the Library of Alexandria, the Ottomans may have perceived concealing its treasures as a means of imposing their cultural and intellectual control over Egypt and preventing any attempts to revive the glories of the past that might threaten their dominion.

An Unfinished Narrative: The Enduring Enigma

However, the fundamental question remains: did they succeed in this endeavor? Were they truly able to erase all the evidence and conceal all the facts? Or are there hidden remnants awaiting discovery? Perhaps, in the future, documents and archaeological research will reveal further details about this perplexing puzzle. Perhaps we will uncover conclusive evidence of a systematic cover-up, or perhaps we will discover that the truth is more complex than we currently imagine.

The fate of the Library of Alexandria under Ottoman rule remains an unfinished narrative. A narrative in which politics, religion, and culture are intertwined, revealing the ongoing tension between power and knowledge. A narrative worthy of research and contemplation, as it offers valuable lessons about the past, present, and future. Perhaps the coming years will bring new discoveries that shed light on this enigmatic chapter of our history.

Do you believe that the Ottomans concealed valuable knowledge resources within the Library of Alexandria? Share your opinions and analyses in the comments, so that we can collectively contribute to uncovering the secrets of history.