Ensuring the Sustainability of the Centre for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts of the Haram al-Sharif, Jerusalem
As part of a project to build capacity in historical manuscript conservation, UNESCO is providing training in manuscript conservation, restoration, inventorying and management to staff of the Centre for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts of the Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem.
Housing one of the world’s most important collections of Islamic manuscripts, including copies of the Holy Qur’an, the Centre for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts is located within the Haram al-Sharif Complex in Jerusalem. With a team of conservation experts, UNESCO is working with the Centre for Restoration, the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and the Administration of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs-Jerusalem, to help conserve these treasures of the world’s cultural and religious heritage for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
UNESCO has worked with the Palestinian Welfare Association of Jerusalem on training in manuscript conservation and restoration and set up a modern and well-equipped conservation laboratory at the Centre for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts, as well as undertaking improvements to its inventorying and storage facilities.
A further phase of the project, generously funded by the Government of Norway, is focusing on building capacity in advanced conservation and management skills, as well as improving facilities at the Centre.
The Centre for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts is part of the Haram al-Sharif Complex in the historic centre of Jerusalem, consisting of an ensemble of historical Islamic buildings, including the al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the Islamic Museum. When complete, UNESCO’s work in building staff capacity and in renovating and refurbishing the Centre’s facilities and conservation laboratory will make the Centre for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts of the Haram al-Sharif one of the best in the region and a potential training provider for similar initiatives elsewhere.
For more information: Nao Hayashi (n.hayashi(at)unesco.org)
Links: Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
Palestinian Welfare Association, Jerusalem