14-Jan-2010
Najaf Printers Association organized a special celebration to mark the centenary anniversary of the first printing press in Najaf, established in 1909. The ceremony, which was held in the Najaf Chamber of Commerce, included a speech by the President of the Assembly and the President of the Najaf provincial Council and Head of ‘Najaf, the capital of Islamic culture in 2012’. Attended by several printing press owners, poets and writers and member of the Parliament Liqaa’ Al-Yassin, the ceremony also included a display of the most important publications printed on old presses (ancient and modern), and the most important intellectual productions in the province.
Kamel Salman al-Jubouri, editor of ‘Najafi Prospects’ magazine, said, “The celebration was held in conjunction with selecting Najaf as the capital of Islamic culture in 2012. The Printing Assembly searched for old printing machines and books printed in the past in order to organize a museum complex to exhibit them.”
Sheikh Ali Mirza Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the ‘Najaf, capital of Islamic culture in 2012’, and a member of the provincial council, described the celebration as “a qualitative leap to start a bright future in the printing field and keep up with global developments.”
Abboud Al-Tuffaili, Ex-chairman of the Chamber of Najaf, called on business owners and printing presses to contribute toward and create major initiatives for the purpose of upgrading the profession of printing and boost professionalism. He added, “We are optimistic that Najaf writes, prints and reads, and it will occupy its prestigious position in the Arab and Islamic world.”
The governor of Najaf Adnan al-Zurfi said that Najaf was under a cultural embargo in previous periods, and there is a big potential for printers to develop their capabilities in order for all to celebrate Najaf as the capital of Islamic culture.
The president of the province of Najaf, Sheikh Fayed Al Shimmari revealed that the Director General of Al Rafidayn Bank has agreed to provide material support for the printing presses, indicating that the Assembly is in the process of evaluating the final status of how the support will focus on providing materials and assist printers in their purchases and not by paying them.
It is worthwhile to mention that the first lithograph printing press in Najaf was imported from India in 1909, and the press was named Al Habl Al Mateen Printing Press. There are 37 printing presses operating in Najaf at present, in addition to a number of colour separation companies.