A Palestinian bookseller on Wednesday launched a campaign to “save” Arabic books and an iconic literary space in London, with the ambitious dream of transforming what once was Al Saqi Books into a new community hub for the next generation.
Mohammad Masoud, who grew up in the Al-Wehdat refugee camp in Jordan, told The New Arab that he wants to build a new literary home, named “Maqam”, where everyone is invited to celebrate and learn about Arabic books and culture.
His ambition is to buy the leftover stock from Al Saqi, which was forced to close its doors in December after 44 years and supplement this with his own substantial collection, which includes rare first editions and antique works.
The Palestinian created a JustGiving page to help raise the necessary funds to see his literary dream become a reality with the lofting goal of acquiring £90,000 to run Maqam for its first year.
“It was a sad moment when Al Saqi closed their doors,” Masoud told The New Arab. The bookseller had worked for the shop since it re-opened in 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But perhaps I was destined to do that. [This is a] new generation, new blood taking over the scene,” he added.
Masoud, who didn’t sleep for days approaching the project launch, said his plans were “challenging” but he was inspired to make something new to carry on this love of literature and Arabic culture. He said the Al Saqi owners offered “to support [this project] in any way possible”.
The young bookseller is joined by “Abdulisms”, Maqam’s creative director, as well as contributors Heba Al-Hayek, Ghaith Hilal, Asia Khatun and Redwan (calligraffenomenal).
He envisions a space where people can sit, drink coffee, and read, as well as forum for various events, such as Arabic classes, calligraphy, and storytelling sessions.
