KONYA - Muhiddin Arabi's book ''Kitab-ul Ba'', which was among the books stolen from Yusuf Aga Library in Konya province three years ago, will be brought to Turkey by the contributions of Ibn-i Arabi Society in Britain.
Meanwhile, stolen 102 manuscripts, seven rare printed books and 63 golden inlaid covers, which experts still cannot understand how they were made, have not been found yet.
The robbery in historical Yusuf Aga Library was revealed on April 5, 2000 and it was understood that 103 manuscripts, seven rare printed books and 63 golden inlaid covers were stolen.
There were books of Sadrettin Konevi and other writers' and intellectuals' books on astronomy and Islamic sciences, besides the book of Muhiddin Arabi among the stolen books.
Prof. Dr. Mikail Bayram, Head of History Department of Selcuk University, and experts set the price of stolen works of art as 11 trillion Turkish Liras.
Stolen works of art, which had been searched in all over the world by Interpol, could not be found until last year. Stephen Hirtenstein, member of Muhiddin Arabi Society in London, realized that Muhiddin Arabi's ''Kitab-ul Ba'' was taking place in a catalog of an auction hall. He held contact with Culture Ministry of Turkey and the library from which the book was stolen.
Ali Can, head of Precious Artifacts of Culture and Tourism Ministry, told A.A. correspondent that the book, which was delivered to Turkish Embassy in London, had not reached Turkey yet as legal procedures were not completed.
Konya Regional Manuscript Arts Library Director Bekir Sahin said that Hirtenstein and the Society had important efforts in bringing the book to Turkey and they continuously gave information about the work of art, adding that they also sent samples from book via internet.
Sahin said that he was very pleased with the efforts of Society for returning the book to library.
Prof. Dr. Bayram said that Muhiddin Arabi explained in ''Kitab-ul Ba'' the secrets of letter ''Ba'' which changed the meaning of verbs when it was put in front or back of them in Arabic language. He added that the book of Arabi, who still caused debates with his metaphysical views, was unique.
(GC-AÖ) 24.06.2003