ELIA Highlights Sharjah's Efforts In Preserving Manuscripts And Cultural Heritage

The Emirates Libraries and Information Association (ELIA) and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage recently organised a cultural event titled "Manuscripts: Their History and Present." This gathering featured Professor Dr. Bashar Awad Marouf, a renowned Arab expert in heritage and manuscripts. The event was held at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage's headquarters, with Dr. Manny Bounaama leading the discussions.

A diverse group of academics, specialists, and heritage enthusiasts attended the symposium. Discussions focused on manuscripts' significance as crucial elements of a nation's cultural memory. Speakers explored how these documents have been created, shared, and preserved over time. In today's digital age, technology has facilitated the digitisation and public accessibility of these manuscripts.

One major topic was Sharjah's prominent role in preserving and disseminating heritage through innovative projects and dedicated institutions. Fahd Al Maamari, Chairman of ELIA, stressed that manuscripts are invaluable cultural assets requiring specialised care and expertise in library science. He noted that modern technology has greatly enhanced manuscript management, making them more accessible to researchers.

Dr. Bashar Awad commended Sharjah’s dedication to safeguarding Arab and Islamic heritage. He highlighted the growing interest in manuscripts recently. "I have worked on publishing over 370 books of edited manuscripts," he said, citing significant works like "Tahdhib al-Kamal" and "Tarikh al-Islam." These publications have been pivotal in his academic pursuits.

Dr. Awad believes these efforts underscore the importance of written heritage in understanding Islamic civilisation's history. Manuscripts not only preserve historical knowledge but also provide insights into past cultures and societies. As technology advances, it offers new opportunities to protect these treasures for future generations.

The event underscored the need for continued efforts to preserve cultural heritage through manuscripts. By leveraging modern technology, institutions can ensure these valuable documents remain accessible to scholars worldwide while maintaining their integrity for years to come.

With inputs from WAM