First event hosted at Azerbaijan’s Cultural Centre in Berlin Tiergarten

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First event hosted at Azerbaijan’s Cultural Centre in Berlin Tiergarten

Thursday, 2 June 2022, Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany: The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany hosted a concert and a subsequent reception in commemoration of 28th May Independence Day. The event took place at the newly opened Azerbaijan Cultural Centre, a cultural wing of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany.

Opening the event, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Federal Republic of Germany H.E. Mr. Ramin Hasanov said that Independence Day was associated with the establishment of an independent democratic republic by the Azerbaijani people 104 years ago. He highlighted that this history is a source of pride for every Azerbaijani. The ambassador noted that despite the fact that the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan merely existed for two years, it accomplished many achievements, including the introduction of parliamentarism in 1918, the recognition of elections and other rights for women and national minorities. Hasanov also noted that the people of Azerbaijan regained their independence in 1991 and embarked on a new path of development under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He added that it was during this period that the nation-building of Azerbaijan and reforms covering all spheres of society began and a modern development strategy was defined. The ambassador said that as a result of this far-sighted policy, our lands, which have been under occupation for almost 30 years, have been liberated and the territorial integrity of our country has been restored.

Ambassador Hasanov noted that this year’s Independence Day is marked by another important event. He noted that the event opened the doors of the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany. The ambassador said the centre was established in 2019 on the initiative of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, a selfless promoter of Azerbaijani culture inside and outside the country, and by order of President Ilham Aliyev. The Azerbaijani ambassador expressed his deep gratitude to all those involved in the construction of the center, including the building’s architects Nariman Imamaliyev and Klaus Neumann, noting that the building of the Azerbaijani Cultural Centre added color to the architecture of Berlin. He stressed that the establishment of the centre is a very important contribution of the leadership of our country to the promotion of rich Azerbaijani culture in Germany, and the development of cultural ties between our countries.

Ambassador Ramin Hasanov noted that the opening of the Cultural Centre coincides with the Year of Shusha. Speaking at the concert dedicated to the Independence Day, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, conductor Yalchin Adigozalov also represents the third generation of the ancient musician family from Shusha, the Capital of Culture of Azerbaijan. Ambassador Ramin Hasanov noted that the Cultural Centre will host many interesting cultural events during the Year of Shusha.

2nd image: In attendance: The Apostolic Nuncio, Dr. Nikola Eterović; Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Nabijon Kasimov; Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Berdimurat Redjepov; Russia’s Ambassador Sergej J. Netschajew.

In his allocution, the Azerbaijani ambassador also spoke about the developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany in all areas. He noted that there is a political dialogue between our countries based on mutual trust at the highest level. He noted that the Azerbaijani foreign and energy ministers paid a working visits to Germany in March this year, and that both sides were interested in continuing such visits in the near future. The ambassador noted that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for Germany and the European Union and plays an important role in diversifying Europe’s energy supply. In his speech, Hasanov spoke about our policies and approaches in the post-conflict period. He said that the Azerbaijani side initiated a peace initiative for the establishment of peace in the region, as well as offered the other side to sign a peace agreement based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as inviolability of borders.

Speaking at the event, Mattias Luttenberg, Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia at the German Foreign Ministry, delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the German government on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and explored the Azerbaijani-German relations in his own words.

After the official part of the event, the chamber orchestra led by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, conductor Yalchin Adigozalov performed works by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Asaf Zeynalli, Vasif Adigozalov, Mammad Guiyev and other Azerbaijani composers, as well as German classics. Azerbaijani musicians Anar Ibrahimov (violin), Sahib Pashazade (tar) and Orkhan Jalilov (tenor) performed as soloists of the concert.

After the concert, during the reception on the occasion of 28th May – Independence Day, the participants were introduced to the culture, cuisine, tourism potential of Azerbaijan as well as the opportunities to invest in our country.

For further information 

Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany: https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/az/news/3920/berlinde-yeni-istifadeye-verilmis-azerbaycan-medeniyyet-merkezinde-28-may-musteqillik-gunu-ile-bagli-tedbir-kecirilib

Year of Shusha: https://azertag.az/en/bolme/shusha_year

Pictures by Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany 

ICC terminates proceedings agains Mahmoud Musayf Al-Wefall

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ICC terminates proceedings agains Mahmoud Musayf Al-Wefall

ICC terminates proceedings against Mahmoud Mustafa Busayf Al-Werfalli following confirmation of his passing.

Today, 15 June 2022, Pre-trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) terminated proceedings against the alleged former Commander in the Al-Saiqa Brigade Mahmoud Mustafa Busayf Al-Werfalli following the Prosecution’s notification of the death of Mr Al-Werfalli and request to withdraw the warrants of arrest, dated 17 May 2022.

Having considered the information and material provided by the Prosecution, in particular witness statements, photographs, and social media material, the Chamber considered the death of Mr Al-Werfalli to be established and, decided that the proceedings against him must accordingly be terminated, and that the warrants of arrest are no longer in effect, and the outstanding requests for arrest and surrender must be withdrawn.

Focus group of prosecutors specialized in human trafficking meets for the first time

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Focus group of prosecutors specialized in human trafficking meets for the first time

Organized by the European Commission, together with Eurojust, the first informal meeting of the focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings brought together prosecutors and judges from the European Union Member States. The objective of the group is to build expertise and intensify judicial cooperation for a more robust criminal justice response.

The level of prosecutions and convictions for offences of trafficking in human beings remains low. In the EU, there were 15 214 investigations and only 3 019 convictions registered in 2019 and 2020. . While the number of Member States referring to Eurojust for assistance with investigations, as well as the number of joint investigation teams (JITs), has increased, there are still serious challenges in judicial cooperation, both at the national and cross-border levels.

A robust criminal justice response is crucial to carrying out effective investigations, prosecutions and convictions. This requires building expertise and assigning specialised experts and departments for trafficking in human beings among the competent authorities at the national and local levels.

The focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings, which met today for the first time, is a response to the need to intensify judicial cooperation, as outlined in the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025).

The meeting was opened by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Ms Diane Schmitt, and the President of Eurojust, Mr Ladislav Hamran. After the opening remarks, participants discussed the priorities regarding trafficking in human beings in the EU and the work done by Eurojust in this field.

A session was dedicated to the challenges prosecutors face when they address cases of trafficking in human beings at the national level and in cross-border situations. These include difficulties with the setting-up of JITs, exchanging information on cases, identifying victims and securing their testimonies, cooperation with law enforcement authorities, gathering evidence and addressing the crime online.

Another topic discussed in the meeting was how to enhance the judicial response to cases of trafficking in human beings in relation to the war in Ukraine. This is an objective of the Common Anti-Trafficking Plan prepared under the direction of the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator in cooperation with the Member States and EU Agencies, which aims to address the risks and support potential victims of human trafficking among those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Participants presented ongoing criminal proceedings and the challenges they might encounter.

After the meeting, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Ms Diane Schmitt, underlined that ‘the level of prosecutions and convictions for trafficking in human beings remains too low. This is why one of the priorities of the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings is to break the criminal business model of traffickers, including through tackling the culture of impunity. The focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings has been set up to contribute to this objective. The first meeting allowed for prosecutors from the Member States to exchange on challenges and best practices in order to improve the judicial response to trafficking in human beings.  It was also an opportunity to discuss the risks of trafficking in relation to the war in Ukraine, with the presence of a representative from Ukraine.’

Chair of Eurojust’s Anti-Trafficking Team, Ms Daniela Buruiana said: ‘Combating trafficking in human beings by conducting successful cross-border investigations and prosecutions is a shared responsibility and a joint effort of all the parties involved. Over the years, Eurojust has been active in providing the necessary support and assistance to the prosecutors dealing with trafficking cases to ensure effective judicial cooperation and coordination in this field. A further step was taken today at the EU level by organising the first-ever meeting of the focus group of specialised prosecutors against trafficking in human beings. I am confident that creating a forum for practitioners, allowing them to communicate directly, and exchange best practices, knowledge and expertise with the appropriate resources and support will result in more successful investigations, prosecutions and finally convictions in this crime area.’

EU and US foster cooperation against ransomware attacks

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<strong>EU and US foster cooperation against ransomware attacks</strong><strong></strong>

The Hague, 16  June 2022

Ransomware has become a global problem that requires cooperation on a worldwide level. Judicial experts and practitioners from the European Union and the United States participated in a two-day workshop in The Hague organised by Eurojust and the U.S. Department of Justice. The event aimed to share best practices and enhance collaboration in confronting ransomware attacks.

The event was opened by Eurojust President, Mr Ladislav Hamran, and Assistant Attorney General Mr Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.

Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘There is no doubt that the scale, sophistication and impact of ransomware attacks is significant, affecting all sectors of the economy and society at large. We warmly welcome the opportunity to join forces with our US colleagues in combating this form of crime. Through this week’s workshop, we are fostering closer cooperation, not only between national authorities, but also between the public and the private sector. I am convinced that this will prove crucial in our efforts to protect our citizens against online and offline threats.’

Assistant Attorney General Polite said: ‘Only by working together with key law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in the EU can we effectively combat the threat that ransomware poses to our society. I am confident that the US-EU ransomware workshop will spur greater coordination and collaboration to address the ransomware threat.’

The workshop, organised by Eurojust and the U.S. Department of Justice, brought together more than 100 prosecutors, law enforcement representatives and experts from the private sector and non-governmental organisations, representing 27 countries . It took place on 15 and 16 June at Eurojust’s premises and online.

Eurojust

Participants attended a series of presentations and panel discussions on topics such as transnational cooperation during ransomware investigations, victim remediation, and prosecution of criminal organisations. 

Attorneys from the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), representatives from the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), European Judicial Cybercrime Network, Eurojust’s Cybercrime Team and Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre shared their experiences, best practices, and lessons learned in directing an investigation to a successful outcome including by collaborating with the tech and wider private sector. Law enforcement officers also discussed adversaries’ tactics and the latest investigative techniques. 

Prosecutors additionally discussed relevant changes in the law, including issues related to electronic evidence, charging options, and cross-border considerations. Private sector and non-governmental organisation representatives included the CyberPeace institute, Microsoft and Bitdefender.

National Day of Russia Celebration 2022

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National Day of Russia Celebration 2022

On the occasion of the National Day of Russia, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr Alexander Shulgin and Mrs Natalia Shulgina, organized a reception in The Hague on 9 June 2022.

The evening started with a well-delivered speech from Ambassador Alexander Shulgin and featured a slew of  Ambassadors and diplomats, cognizance of the current situation.

During his opening remarks Ambassador Alexander Shulgin noted, “this year we are celebrating for the 30nd time the Day of Russia, a feast established in honor of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic adopted in June 1990. For Russians these are not empty words, as the notion of sovereignty appears to be deeply meaningful.”

“Throughout our tumultuous history Russia has gone through the crucible of multiple hardships, bloody wars and attempts to invade its territory. In the 13th and 14th centuries Russia was devastated as a result of the Mongolian and Tatar onslaught.”

“At least twice, in 1610 and in 1812, foreign troops coming from Europe penetrated Russian territory so far as to occupy Moscow.”

Ambassador Shulgin and Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

 “The similar events took place as Fascist Germany launched an aggression against the Soviet Union. Once again the hordes of invaders, not only German Fascists, but their auxiliaries form various European countries ranging from Alsatians to Flemish and including Italians, Romanians, Spaniards rushed into the plains of our country causing indescribable suffering to peoples of the Soviet Union.” He came to say.

“Nowadays as many times before,” expressed Ambassador Shulgin “our country faces unacceptable threat to its sovereignty. Indeed there is a proxy war being waged now against our country with the involvement of Western countries, both European, but also from overseas.”

“Russian currency is stronger than ever before. Notwithstanding reduction of oil and gas supplies Russian revenues are still on the rise owing to the surge in prices for the energy. Forecasts about centrifugal tendencies in the Russian civil society proved to be unsubstantiated. Russians as a single person made block to support their President Vladimir Putin. He is supported by 80% of the Russians. And this massive support is still growing.”

National Day of Russia Celebration 2022.

“Russia has lots of friends and allies with which we continue mutually advantageous cooperation. To put it another way, we do not intend to close the window to Europe, opened up, as many of you know, by the first Russian Emperor – Peter the Great. It so happens that today we mark the 350th anniversary of the Tsar – reformer, founding father of our relations with the states of West Europe, first and foremost with the Netherlands, where he traveled several times, and with the people of the Netherlands, whom he held in high esteem for their hard work, determination and friendliness. Even if it is considered bad taste to talk about anything Russian, we are sure that the legacy of Peter the Great will be forever remembered by grateful future generations. We stand ready for resuming contacts if and when our partners come to their senses.

H.E. M. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanaon, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Ms. Reenat Sandu, Ambassador of India and Mrs. Nawrid Sharmin, First Secretary, Embassy of Bangladesh.

But we will be very careful about rebuilding relations. It will be up to us to define areas of cooperation that we may be interested in.” In conclusion, Ambassador Shulgin treated his guests to a Russian cuisine buffet.

El Sisi, host eighth IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians

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El Sisi, host eighth IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians

Under Auspices of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Eighth IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians to Kick off Wednesday in Sharm El Sheikh in Cooperation between Egyptian House of Representatives and Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Eighth Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will kick off Wednesday morning, June 15, 2022, in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh under the auspices of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The two-day conference will be held in cooperation between the Egyptian House of Representatives and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. It will be attended by Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Chancellor Dr. Hanafy El Gebali and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Mr.  Duarte Pacheco, along with parliamentary delegations from more than 60 countries and international watchdogs.

Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The conference is planned to address the issue of climate change from the viewpoint of young parliamentarians. It is the first time that a country holds a separate parliamentary conference a few months before hosting a session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which demonstrates Egypt’s strong will to crystallize an organized and just global effort at all governmental and legislative levels to combat the negative impact of climate change threatening the capabilities of the entire world. Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Chancellor Dr. Hanafy El Gebali is scheduled to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the conference.

During the conference, young parliamentarians, representatives of civil society organizations and experts will engage in four interactive sessions at a unique dialogue platform to tackle the issue of climate change at all levels, as the most critical issue threatening the planet as well as its resources and capabilities. The topics of the conference will also include the state of climate change and its impact on human rights, parliamentary action to fight climate change, and partnership between civil society and parliamentarians to combat the phenomenon of climate change.

Philippines Independence Day Celebrations 2022

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Philippines Independence Day Celebrations 2022

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hauge, 7th June 2022. To celebrate the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, H.E. Ambassador  Jose Eduardo III Malaya organized a Diplomatic Reception at the Kalayaan Hall Embassy of the Philippines on 7 June 2022. This event follows on the heels of the Philippines  Special Independence Day Piano Recital by Dr Victor Santiago Asuncion on 2 June 2022.

The Philippine Independence Day reception in The Hague was extra special this year as not only did Philippine music, food and warm hospitality take centre stage but it was also held at the Philippine Embassy’s newly-renovated chancery building.

The occasion was an opportunity to highlight this year’s Independence theme: “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning) as the renovation of the 150-year old, iconic Chancery signals a new beginning for the Embassy.

The festive reception was attended by more than a hundred guests from the diplomatic corps, officials with The Netherlands’ Government and Filipino-Dutch community leaders. Present were Director General Fernando Arias of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Secretary-General Marcin Czepelak of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Managing Director Sheikh Mohammed Belal of the Common Fund for Commodities, and Director Marielle Geraedts, the incoming NL Ambassador to the Philippines, to name a few.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya highlighted three themes in his address during the event: the Philippines, with its strong economic fundamentals and democratic institutions, having recently held a peaceful and credible elections, warmly welcomes investors and tourists, including Dutch nationals; bilateral relations remains productive and mutually beneficial; and the Philippines is committed to open and inclusive multilateralism in its engagement with the international community. “Strong democracy, sound economic fundamentals, and the Philippines’ unceasing drive to work with its international partners hold the promise of a better Philippines in the years to come,” Ambassador Malaya said.

“As a diplomat-lawyer, I find it fulfilling to learn about the best practices, soft norms, conventions and jurisprudence that are being developed and shaped here in The Hague and have relevance to and adaptable to the Philippines, in the same manner that the Philippines too has much experiences and ideas to share with others. We hope to continue with this learning, sharing and cooperating for peace, justice, and upholding the majesty of the law,” Ambassador Malaya added.

The reception featured musical performances by Filipino artists in The Netherlands, namely the siblings Ms. Shermaine Velasco, who performed on piano the song “Gaano ko ikaw kamahal?” and Mr. Samuel Velasco played “Anak” on guitar. They then had a piano-guitar duet of the Filipino favorite “Ngayon at Kailanman”. Ms. Katreena Alyssa Beron concluded the program with a beautiful rendition of “Bituing Walang Ningning”. Ms. Sheryl Lyn Baas, a Filipino-Dutch who was crowned Miss Netherlands 2006, was the master of ceremonies for the reception.

The event commenced with the singing of the Philippines and The Netherlands’ national anthems led by Ms Mary Ann Morales, and accompanied on piano by Ambassador Malaya.

As the guests enjoyed the sumptuous fare prepared by the Embassy, the Philippine Trade Investment Center-Brussels, led by Trade Attaché Magnolia Misolas-Ashley, offered “StroopwaPHLs,” a creative combination of the Netherlands’ popular waffle “stroopwafel” (provided by Van Schaiks) dipped in Philippine coconut sugar syrup and 80% bean-to-bar chocolate Mike and Becky, a Filipino chocolate brand in Belgium.

Consuls General a.h. Albert Bos and Eppo Horlings in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, respectively, Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz and Tourism Attaché Margarita Valdes were also present at the event.

Sponsors of the event were the Andre Kerstens B.V., distributor of the Philippines’ Don Papa Rum and Santa Ana Gin; the Manila Trading, importer and distributor of PH products; the Nida Philippine Products B.V.; Ms. Sharon Reyes and Mr. Jacques Hoogeveen of La Giostra Del Vino; and the Benbatz Photography.

President Agius Presents the Progress of the Mechanism’s Work to the UN Security Council  

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President Agius Presents the Progress of the Mechanism’s Work to the UN Security Council  

Arusha, The Hague, 14 June 2022– The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, today presented the Mechanism’s twentieth progress report, as well as its fourth review report, to the United Nations Security Council (Council).

In addressing the Council, President Agius noted the significant progress accomplished during the reporting period, despite enormous challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. The President also observed that, on account of this progress, the Mechanism is already operating in a way that is markedly different from only a few years ago and it is far closer to realising the Council’s vision of the Mechanism as a small and temporary institution.

President Agius emphasised the Mechanism’s substantial reduction of judicial workload in recent years, and he reported that following the delivery of the appeal judgement in the Fatuma et al. case later this month, there will be only two main cases left. In this regard, the President explained that the Stanišić and Simatović appellate proceedings remain on track to be completed by June 2023, while in the Kabuga case the Trial Chamber issued its decision yesterday concerning the accused’s fitness to stand trial and commencement of proceedings accordingly.

President Agius then turned to progress in other areas, underscoring the major recent advances in the tracking of fugitives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Notwithstanding these positive results, President Agius reported that certain setbacks remain. In this respect, the President addressed the Council on the situation of the ICTR acquitted and released persons, noting that “the binding agreement signed between the United Nations and Niger to relocate these persons onto Niger’s territory has not been honoured”. Furthermore, in the contempt case against Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta, the President referred to “Serbia’s ongoing failure to fulfil the international obligations imposed on all States by this Council in Resolution 1966 (2010).”

In concluding his final address to the Council before he steps down as Mechanism President at the end of this month, President Agius expressed his gratitude to all States, stakeholders and individuals who have stood alongside the Mechanism in the quest for justice, including his fellow Principals, Judges and its dedicated staff members.

Uzbekistan lifts all coronavirus-related restrictions upon entry into the Republic

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Uzbekistan lifts all coronavirus-related restrictions upon entry into the Republic

According to the decision of the Special Republican Commission, from June 10, 2022, temporary coronavirus-related restrictions for citizens of Uzbekistan and foreign countries entering Uzbekistan through air travel, border railway stations and border checkpoints will be lifted, reports “Dunyo” IA correspondent.

In this regard, the rules requiring foreign tourists to provide a negative result of a PCR test for coronavirus, an express test for antigens for coronavirus and a certificate or passport of vaccination are canceled.

The Commission took into account the dynamics of the spread of coronavirus in Uzbekistan, the number of hospitalized and discharged patients, the positive change in the number of quarantined citizens, as well as the epidemiological situation in the country, the recommendations of WHO and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

Books that made History

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Books that made History

Books of enduring value to scholarship, science and culture

The invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century greatly accelerated the dissemination of knowledge and ideas. Printed books brought new insights to an ever-expanding readership. Some of these works were so revolutionary that they continue to shape our understanding of the world and our appreciation of science, art and culture to this day. From the oldest world atlas to a ground breaking pocket medical dictionary: the summer exhibition ‘Books that made History’ in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden) focuses on 25 of these world-famous books and their authors. The Leiden University Libraries (UBL) selected for the exhibition a number of items from their own collection, including works by Galileo Galilei, Albert Einstein, Anna Maria van Schurman and René Descartes. The knowledge festival around Leiden European City of Science 2022 formed the impetus for the UBL and the museum to join forces to place a number of ‘Books that made History’ in the spotlight from 22 June to 4 September this year.

Leiden is the European City of Science 2022. To mark this year ‘Books that made History’ presents 25 books in which insights and theories that have since become common currency first saw the light of day. What these books have in common is their close ties with the city of Leiden, from the founding of the university in 1575 to the present day. Some of the writers studied or worked there, others had their manuscripts printed and published by one of the city’s printing businesses, while a number of the works were rediscovered in the university library. Take Mare Liberum (‘The Freedom of the Seas’) for instance. This work has formed the basis for international law for 400 years – ever since its publication by Hugo Grotius in 1609. And Discours de la méthode (1637) by the philosopher René Descartes gave us the immortal words ‘Cogito ergo sum’ (‘I think, therefore I am’).

We also see the doctoral dissertation by the very first female student in the Netherlands, Anna Maria van Schurman (1641), and the pocket-sized medical ‘dictionary’ of terms by Herman Boerhaave (1707). Works from a later era include notes by Albert Einstein on his developing theory of relativity (1916) and Theo van Doesburg’s influential periodical De Stijl (1917). We can also find books that made history in the fields of antiquity and archaeology. The exhibition includes Joseph Scaliger’s ‘On the improvement of Chronology’ (1598), in which he placed the chronologies used by a range of ancient cultures beside one another with the aid of mathematics, astronomy, and a good knowledge of the languages Arabic, Hebrew, and Ethiopian. Scaliger here laid the foundations for the chronology that we still use today. One work dating from 1818 is the inaugural address of Caspar Reuvens, the first professor of archaeology in the world – who was also the director of the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities – a true ode to his discipline.

Besides focusing on the content, significance and authors of the books, the exhibition also looks at the time in which they were written. The topics covered include the rise of universities and libraries, the emergence of printing, and the position of women and people of colour in these stories. In the accompanying audio tour and exhibition book, experts and ‘ambassadors’ from our own time breathe new life into the books with their knowledge, anecdotes, and personal reflections. Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite among the works exhibited. In the ‘voting room’, visitors can also suggest titles of remarkable books that should also have been included in the exhibition. After all, any selection of the 25 most important books is bound to be subjective.

Leiden and scholarship

All the works on display belong to the collection of the Leiden University Libraries. Leiden University was the first university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575. It is renowned for its substantial contributions in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. Prince William of Orange donated to the library the first book in its collection: a copy of the Polyglot Bible (in five languages: Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Syrian and Hebrew). Today, the collection comprises millions of books, tens of thousands of periodicals, hundreds of thousands of special materials, and access to a great many more digital files.

The exhibition ‘Books that made History’ is a co-production with Leiden University Libraries, and is supported by Leiden Kennisstad, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, Brill Publishers, Cultuurfonds Leiden en the Friends of the Leiden University Libraries. The museum is supported by the Vriendenloterij.

‘Books that made history’, 22 June to 4 September 2022, www.rmo.nl

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