Algerian Radio
The proceedings of the International Symposium on Manuscript Heritage in Algeria, organized under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, concluded on Tuesday evening at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Centre (CIC) in Algiers. The event wrapped up with the adoption of a series of recommendations, most notably the "institutionalization of the symposium" and the establishment of a "National Manuscript Day."
Formulated following presentations by several Algerian and international experts and specialists in manuscript protection and conservation, and in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Ms. Malika Bendouda, the recommendations highlighted the importance of establishing the symposium as an annual international event and creating a National Manuscript Day. They also called for the promotion and implementation of equipment projects designed to upgrade private manuscript libraries.
Furthermore, participants emphasized the importance of "creating an award of excellence for the preservation of manuscripts." They also stressed the need to "introduce a pedagogical, scientific, and training module dedicated to manuscripts in school and university curricula to raise awareness of Algerian manuscripts in their scientific, cultural, and civilizational dimensions."
They also recommended the "drafting of legislation specific to manuscripts."
The recommendations further highlighted the need to "create a higher institute for training in codicology," "establish a digital network of national manuscript libraries," and "promote manuscript heritage within the cultural and tourism industries." They also called for "creating specializations within vocational training centers and institutes focused on manuscript conservation and restoration techniques."
Additionally, the organizers announced that, following the recommendation of the Director of Arab Manuscripts, "the next annual international symposium will be held in Algeria."
In her address, Ms. Bendouda emphasized that this "two-day meeting has allowed us to learn about the latest research advancements in manuscript heritage and to explore this vast field, which is undergoing profound transformations and significant developments." She also praised "the efforts of researchers and collection owners nationwide in safeguarding and preserving this heritage for future generations."
In this regard, the Minister noted that "the institutionalization of this symposium represents a cognitive and organizational milestone in continuing our commitment to studying, preserving, and digitizing Algerian manuscripts. It also ensures the mobilization of all resources for the benefit of the Ministry's specialized manuscript institutions, notably the National Library and the National Manuscript Center in Adrar."
Furthermore, the Minister praised the efforts of the President of the Republic regarding the protection of manuscripts. She highlighted the special interest and invaluable support he provides to the Ministry's initiatives aimed at preserving national identity through Algeria's manuscript heritage.
She welcomed the presence and dedication of private collection owners and families who possess manuscripts, thanking them for their support and collaboration with the Ministry's projects. These projects focus on preserving, restoring, and digitizing these manuscripts as part of the national manuscript mapping initiative at the National Library. The closing session of this international symposium featured an award ceremony honoring a group of researchers and families who own private manuscript collections. They were recognized for their contributions to preserving the treasures of Algerian manuscripts, which reflect the depth of the nation's identity.
The International Symposium on Manuscript Heritage in Algeria, held under the theme "The Routes of Ink in Algeria: Civilization and Heritage" (June 15–16), saw the participation of collection owners, researchers, and academics from both within and outside Algeria.
