“Wasn’t this place once the heart of the city?” a student asks. Indeed, right here stood \u0645\u0643\u062a\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633\u062a\u0642\u0644\u0627\u0644. It was a vibrant hub since 1940. Today, we explore its story.
\u0645\u0643\u062a\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633\u062a\u0642\u0644\u0627\u0644, or Istiklal Library, was more than books. It was Amman’s intellectual and cultural center. Imagine this street bustling with students. They sought knowledge and literary treasures.
In 1925, Walid Al-Haj Hassan left Nablus for Palestine. He was looking for work. He worked in a printing press in Haifa for 15 years. In 1940, he established a printing and distribution house. It championed national causes. He returned to Jordan. That is when the Istiklal Library was founded.
The library became a haven. It offered diverse books. Students flocked to it. They sought textbooks and cultural enrichment. \u0645\u0643\u062a\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633\u062a\u0642\u0644\u0627\u0644 became a unique institution. It specialized in Arabic cultural and intellectual books. It sold schoolbooks too.
\u0645\u0643\u062a\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633\u062a\u0642\u0644\u0627\u0644 also published books. Its publications covered diverse topics. They ranged from Arabic novels to global literature. The library supported education by providing schoolbooks. It also offered stationery.
Did you know the library supplied stationery? It even provided drawing tools. These were essential for students. They were hard to find elsewhere. Istiklal Library supported students’ educational journeys. It offered school supplies and a wide selection of books.
Many influential figures frequented \u0645\u0643\u062a\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633\u062a\u0642\u0644\u0627\u0644. Politicians and intellectuals gathered here. They sought knowledge and debated ideas. This place fostered intellectual growth.
The library faced challenges. Printing schoolbooks became difficult after 1964. The Ministry of Education took over. Despite this, Istiklal Library adapted. It enriched students’ educational experiences. It supplied books to schools. It fostered a love for reading.
Despite the changes, the library remains active. It’s located on Al-Mujahid Wasfi Al-Tal Street. It operates from Saturday to Thursday. Its hours reflect a commitment to serving the community.
\u0645\u0643\u062a\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633\u062a\u0642\u0644\u0627\u0644 offered a haven for book lovers. It supported education. It inspired generations. As we leave, remember its legacy. Think of its contribution to Amman’s intellectual life. It was more than a library. It was a landmark. It was a community.