The best libraries in the Mena region – in pictures

  • Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Public Library, Jordan. Alamy
    Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Public Library, Jordan. Alamy
  • Damaged books and documents at Iraq National Library and Archive, Baghdad, in 2015. AP
    Damaged books and documents at Iraq National Library and Archive, Baghdad, in 2015. AP
  • Al Safa Art & Design Library, Dubai. Photo: Al Safa Art & Design Library
    Al Safa Art & Design Library, Dubai. Photo: Al Safa Art & Design Library
  • Al Safa Art & Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Al Safa Art & Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Al Safa Art & Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Al Safa Art & Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Qatar National Library. Photo: Haytham Alsmadi
    Qatar National Library. Photo: Haytham Alsmadi
  • Qatar National Library. Photo: OMA
    Qatar National Library. Photo: OMA
  • Qatar National Library. Photo: Michael Toler
    Qatar National Library. Photo: Michael Toler
  • Qatar National Library. Getty
    Qatar National Library. Getty
  • King Abdul Aziz Public Library. Photo: King Abdul Aziz Public Library
    King Abdul Aziz Public Library. Photo: King Abdul Aziz Public Library
  • Al Qarawiyyin Library, Tunisia.
    Al Qarawiyyin Library, Tunisia.
  • The Greater Cairo Library. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
    The Greater Cairo Library. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
  • The Greater Cairo Library. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
    The Greater Cairo Library. Mahmoud Nasr / The National
  • Orient Institute Beirut. Photo: Orient Institute Beirut
    Orient Institute Beirut. Photo: Orient Institute Beirut
  • Orient Institute Beirut. Photo: Orient Institute Beirut
    Orient Institute Beirut. Photo: Orient Institute Beirut