An interview with Archive

Biblio checks in with Archive to learn more about their book business, collecting interests and more! To view and shop their inventory, click here.

When did you get started in bookselling?

I got started rare book dealing in 1993 by 3 ordinary Islamic manuscripts which I got as gift

What drew you to bookselling?

A close friend encouraged me to start in dealing in rare books when he saw my collection of new books which I have started collecting since 1990

Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?

Yes, encouraging for the first step

What are your specialties as a dealer?

Islamic art, important documents and books about the middle eastern question and the political histort.

What's the most amazing book you've ever sold?

Some of Ibrahim Muteferrika books which printed in Istanbul as the most early Islamic books to be printed in the Islamic world. In additon; tens of important and specific manuscripts, atlases, documents and printed books about the Islamic world. A unique copy of al wajaza to sihhat il qawl bil Ijaza was sold by us through Abebooks before few years as alrawi booksyore. The manuscript collected on of the highest prices ever reached through Abebooks. I have sold many important books through big auction houses like Sotheby and Christies.

What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?

Finding a new important item when I have the financial capasity.

Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?

On Abebooks for years, as Alrawi

What do you personally like to read? Collect?

Political history of the middle east between 1808 and 1924 and Islamic heritage

What's your favorite book you personally own? Would you sell it, if the price were right?

All unique manuscripts and extremely rare printed books unless they reach their fair prices.

What one book would you buy if price were no object?

Several like the first printed Quran in Rome.