Aims and objectives
The aim of the work supported by this grant was to survey and create a comprehensive digital catalogue and needs assessment for the manuscript collection held at the Sayyid Bahr al-Ulum Library in Najaf, Iraq. The primary objective was to document the collection's contents, assess their physical condition, and identify conservation requirements. This pilot project aimed to safeguard the manuscripts, which are historically and culturally significant, by laying the groundwork for their future digitisation and long-term preservation. The project also sought to enhance local capacity through training in manuscript handling and cataloguing while fostering collaboration between the British Library, the London School of Economics and the local archival partner, the Sayyid Bahr al-Uloom Heritage Center.
Outcomes
The project successfully conducted a comprehensive survey and developed a structured digital catalogue of the manuscript collection housed at the Sayyid Bahr al-Ulum Library in Najaf, Iraq. This catalogue, which is in both the local Arabic language and English, documented essential metadata, including titles, authors, subject classifications, and physical condition assessments, providing a valuable resource for future preservation efforts. As part of the initiative, a thorough needs assessment was completed to identify conservation priorities, highlighting key risks such as physical degradation, pest damage, and historical mismanagement. This assessment serves as a foundation for planning targeted preservation measures in the future.
A significant achievement of the project was the successful delivery of professional training sessions for local staff, focusing on manuscript handling, cataloguing techniques, and conservation best practices. These sessions not only enhanced local expertise but also ensured that the collection is better cared for in the long term. The collaboration between the London School of Economics and the Sayyid Bahr al-Uloom Heritage Center was further strengthened, promoting cultural exchange and fostering a lasting partnership through joint project management and on-site visits.
The outcomes of this project have created a strong foundation for future research and preservation efforts. The digital catalogue enhances the accessibility of this historically significant collection, making it a valuable resource for scholars in Islamic studies, Iraqi history, and manuscript conservation. These achievements collectively contribute to the safeguarding of an endangered cultural heritage collection while building local capacity for its continued preservation.
The following survey was submitted as part of the project outputs:
