On 16 July, in the historical Machine Room of the EC1 thermal power plant, His Excellency Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nasser A. Albraik, PhD, gave the EC1 Łódź Foundation books which Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al Saud wanted to contribute to the ‘5 in Lodz’ library.

The ambassador came to Łódź in order to personally contribute the books to the Library, which is being built by the EC1 Łódź Foundation. The Library will be made of sets of 5 books, each set donated by various people. The contributed books are the most important volumes in their lives – ones that have made them chose their life paths and shaped their moral attitudes. The Foundation asks prominent people from all around the world – artists, philosophers, scholars, sportsmen, social activists, human rights defenders, inventors, representatives of different cultures, religions and attitudes – to provide the Library with books. Each set of 5 books will be packed in a handmade transparent box. As a result, a unique construction will be erected, which will become one of the more important elements of the New Centre of Łódź.

Nasser A. Albraik, PhD, came with Abdulkader M.M. Al Kurdi of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia. They were welcomed in Łódź by Andrzej Walczak, president of the EC1 Łódź Foundation and Łódź vice-mayor, Mrs. Wiesława Zewald. ‘We would like Łódź to become a place where cultures of the entire world will meet,’ Mrs. Zewald said. The EC1, divided into eastern and western parts, was a perfect background for such a meeting.

Guests were charmed with the historical interiors of the thermal power plant and plans of construction of the New Centre of Łódź. ‘The Saudis feel strong emotional connection to Poland since our king has financed the surgery of Polish Siamese twins. Each time I meet him, he asks about their health,’ said the ambassador. Then, he presented the books which were chosen by prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al Saud. ‘Qur’an and Words of the Prophet have a very strong significance here – Qur’an is the written Word of Allah, whereas Word of the Prophet are Mahomet’s teachings on observing the rules of Islam,’ he explained. ‘At the embassy, we are working on the next edition of Polish translation of the Holy Book,’ he added. Another amazing volume is a book of His Royal Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on the Saudi Arabia coming into existence. ‘Royal family has united our people. This album tells the entire history of our country, starting from the 19th century.’

Among other books chosen by the prince were also ‘The Road to Mekka’ by Muhammad Asad, previously known as Leopold Weiss, an Austrian Jew, famous 19th-century traveller, journalist and philosopher who converted to Islam and became one of the most influential European Muslim thinkers. The list is closed by ‘Życie Proroka’ (The life of the Prophet) by Safey AlrahmanAl Mubarkfory.

‘Thanks to these books, we can go on with our project,’ Andrzej Walczak thanked. ‘The “5 in Lodz” library has received a very valuable “brick”. The idea gains more significance thanks to participation of such prominent celebrities as the Prince of Saudi Arabia.’