ISIS burned nearly 2,000 books in one month.

(Baonghean) - According to Associated Press (AP), since January 2015, approximately 2,000 books in the central library of Mosul, Iraq, have been burned by IS.

Recently, the American news agency AP quoted witnesses as saying that extremist Islamic State (IS) fighters broke into the central library and burned nearly 2,000 books. Among these nearly 2,000 books were collections of poetry, philosophy, medicine, science, sports, culture, and children's books. Most notably, IS destroyed documents from the 20th century, as well as books and maps from the Ottoman Empire era.

A few books were on display at a book fair in Baghdad on January 23, 2015. Photo: AP/Karim Kadim

According to several witnesses, IS jihadists claimed the books were "promoting betrayal and inciting people to disobey Allah." That is why they ordered the burning of nearly 2,000 books in Mosul. However, books related to Islam were allowed to remain.

A few days after breaking into Mosul's central library, ISIS also proceeded to burn numerous textbooks for students and books in university libraries in Mosul. The burning was carried out in front of students. A history professor stated that ISIS had destroyed many other public libraries in the area, such as the Sunni archives, Christian libraries (including churches and Dominican monasteries), and the Mosul Museum.

This is not the first time the Islamic State (IS) has been accused of destroying historical and cultural sites. Previously, numerous statues of deities, churches, and historical monuments belonging to Christians, Jews, and even Muslims have become "victims" of IS. According to many analysts, IS has always considered culture, civilization, and science as its primary enemies.

Back in 2003, when the US invaded Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime, the people of Mosul hid and protected these books in their homes or basements from damage caused by the fighting. However, now, ISIS threatens and demands the handover of all books, otherwise they will kill anyone who possesses or protects works they consider "impious."

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde, February 3rd)