Riyadh, Arab News - An exhibition titled “Arabian Peninsula in Old European Maps” is being held in the National Library of the King Abdul Aziz Center in the capital.

Organized by Al-Turath Establishment, the exhibition was opened on Sunday by the head of Al-Turath, Prince Sultan ibn Salman. It will remain open for public until April 12.

Prince Sultan said that the exhibition, which is sponsored by Prince Faisal International Academy, consists of 75 old European maps that show how demographists viewed the Arabian Peninsula in the late 15th century.

The maps are from the private collection of Dr. Khaled Al-Angari, minister of higher education, and are believed to be among the rarest of its kind. The displays show the change in European map making regarding the Arabian Peninsula over the past 300 years.

Prince Sultan said the maps were of great importance since they represented a historical value. In addition, they show the advances made in map-making from what it was hundreds of years ago to what it is today relying on modern technology.

He said the exhibition was an opportunity for geography lovers to look at the rare collection and study them. People interested in history, archaeology, and rare antiques would also find a great opportunity to look first hand at the maps, he added.