Memory of the World Register - 2013
The Memory of the World Register lists documentary heritage which has been recommended by the International Advisory Committee, and endorsed by the Director-General of UNESCO, as corresponding to the selection criteria regarding world significance and outstanding universal value.
Armenia - Collection of note manuscripts and film music of Composer Aram Khachaturian
Aram Khachaturian is a world renowned Armenian composer and musician of genuinely universal stature who has left a comprehensive musical legacy embracing almost all genres and forms. Making extensive use of the Armenian rural and urban folklore, Khachaturian raised Armenian composition school to a new classical level, ensuring its place in the world culture. His works influenced the formation of the composition schools in South Caucasus and Central Asian Republics.
Belgium - The Archives of the University of Leuven (1425-1797): University Heritage of Global Significance
In the 16th century, Leuven (Louvain) was the largest university after Paris, north of the Alps. Leuven also played a major international role in the earliest developments of typography and cartography, and in the introduction of Catholic reformation. The almost 200 linear metres of university records are one of the most homogenous university archives from the Ancien Régime. They provide an insight into the reality of an early modern university, its functioning and the interactions between students, professors and the broader society.
Bolivia - Cathedral of La Plata Church Music Manuscript Collection
The collection comprises 1,502 music manuscripts from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries from the Cathedral chapel and the Oratory of San Felipe Neri of La Plata, Bolivia. This collection is one of the richest in Latin America and its value transcends local boundaries. The sheet music and lyrical texts have become the primary sources for research studies on the baroque movement in the Spanish Indies.
Brazil - Documents regarding the Emperor D. Pedro II's journeys in Brazil and abroad
Journeys of the Emperor between 1840 and 1913. D. Pedro II undertook various journeys during the 49 years of his reign, through Brazil and four continents, getting to know new territories and other cultures. The documents are prime sources written and received by d. Pedro II during a period of profound historic changes that relate to cultural referentials of modernity, from the perspective of a privileged observer - the Emperor of Brazil - and his interlocutors, mostly intellectuals. They reveal aspects of the thinking, the scientific discoveries, the cultural diversity and the political passions, as well as analyzing diplomatic relations between Brazil and countries from different continents.
Canada - The Discovery of Insulin and its Worldwide Impact
The collection contains the total archive pertaining to the discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto. This event was one of the most significant medical discoveries of the twentieth century and was of incalculable value to the world community. The discovery of insulin has meant the difference between life and death for those suffering from diabetes. The original, archival documents included in these collections contain the research which won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1923 for Dr. Banting and Dr. Macleod, both of whom shared credit and prize money with James Collip and Charles Best.
Czech Republic - Libri Prohibiti: Collection of periodicals of Czech and Slovak Samizdat in the years 1948-1989
It is the largest collection in the world. The completeness and uniqueness of a large number of documents attest to the fight against the communist totalitarian regime and is importance for the study of the history of the twentieth century. It is also important from the standpoint of the history of professional journalism, science and ethics.
Egypt - The National Library of Egypt's Collection of Mamluk Qur'an Manuscripts
One hundred and forty Mamluk Qur'an manuscripts and bindings that can be securely dated to the Mamluk period (1250-1517 CE) by colophons and endowment and dedicatory statements. During this time, Cairo became the cultural, religious, and intellectual centre of the Islamic world. The manuscripts are almost unmatched for splendor, opulence, and size in the history of the Islamic arts of the book and they are key to our understanding of developments in Islamic calligraphy, illumination and bookbinding not only in Mamluk Egypt but throughout the Islamic world.
Georgia - Description of Georgian Kingdom and Geographical Atlas
Manuscripts and geographical atlas representing the first complete geographical description of Georgia's historical territory. They present the history of Georgia from the ancient periode till the 40s of the 18th century containing the history of the separate kingdoms and principalities of Georgia, their geographical descriptions and maps. The maps played a special role in studying the geography and the cartographical description of Caucasus and the territory of Georgia. They were also the basis for Europeans to acquaint themselves with the geography of Caucasus region.
Georgia and United Kingdom - Manuscript Collection of Shota Rustaveli's Poem "Knight in the Panther's Skin"
This collection consists of a mixture of Georgian, oriental and European cultural traditions created during major political, socio-economic and cultural changes throughout the Caucasian and Middle East regions. It provides unique information about the lifestyle, traditions and characterizations of different social groups in the Middle Ages from the royal family to merchants and peasants. It can also be characterized as the peak of development of neo-Platonic thinking and a hymn of human nature, friendship, love, equality and struggle for freedom.
Germany - Lorsch Pharmacopoeia (The Bamberg State Library, Msc.Med.1)
The Lorsch Pharmacopoeia (Msc.Med.1) in the Bamberg State Library is the earliest, reliably datable compendium of classical remedies in the Greco-Roman tradition from the (Latin) Early Middle Ages in Europe. It was fundamental in the reappraisal of medicine over the course of the Carolingian educational reform in the late eighth century. Its foreword provides the earliest and most comprehensive surviving intellectual discussion from the Carolingian age that seeks to justify systematically a positive reception of classical learning. The manuscript undertakes an innovative scientific approach to medicine, put forward under the premise of a positive and theologically based evaluation of humankind's physical environment.
Germany - Nebra Sky Disc
The Nebra Sky Disc features the oldest concrete depiction of cosmic phenomena worldwide. It was ritually buried along with two precious swords, two axes, two spiral arm-rings and one bronze chisel circa 3,600 years ago on the Mittelberg near Nebra (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) and dedicated to the gods. The bronze disc is considered to be one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. It combines an extraordinary comprehension of astronomical phenomena with the religious beliefs of its period, that enable unique glimpses into the early knowledge of the heavens.
Hungary - Semmelweis' discovery
A collection of printed materials on the discovery of the causes of childbed fever and elaborating aseptic prevention against it by Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis between 1847-1861. Semmelweis proved that puerperal fever having led earlier to particularly high mortality rates can be fully prevented. He determined the etiology of puerperal fever and, in doing so, also proved that the infection can be fully prevented if the persons getting into contact with the women giving birth thoroughly sterilize their hands. The prevention recommended by him is unique and was accepted relatively slowly in the world, although others also realized his achievement and studied this phenomenon.
Iceland - 1703 Census of Iceland
The 1703 census is the first comprehensive census taken in Iceland and the oldest extant nominal census in the world that includes every member of a country's population, with name, age and social status. The census is a milestone in the history of population studies. It was carried out in 1702-1703 by Árni Magnússon and Páll Vídalín, who were specially commissioned by the Danish king to assess the conditions in Iceland. Among the tasks to be carried out was to conduct a census of all the inhabitants of Iceland. The census was submitted to Árni Magnússon and Páll Vídalín at a meeting of Althingi (the parliament) in July 1703. According to the census the total population of Iceland amounted to 50,366 inhabitants in 1703.
Indonesia and the Netherlands - Babad Diponegoro or Autobiographical Chronicle of Prince Diponegoro (1785-1855). A Javanese nobleman, Indonesian national hero and pan-Islamist
The autobiographical chronicle of the Javanese nobleman, Indonesian national hero and Pan-Islamist, Prince Diponegoro (1785-1855) (literally 'The Light of the Country') of Yogyakarta - the Babad Diponegoro ('The Chronicle of Diponegoro') - written in exile in North Sulawesi (Celebes) in 1831-1832. It is the personal record of a key figure in modern Indonesian history. It is also the first ego-document (autobiography) in modern Javanese literature and shows unusual sensitivity to local conditions and experiences.
Iran - A Collection of selected maps of Iran in the Qajar Era (1193 - 1344 Lunar Calendar / 1779-1926 Gregorian Calendar)
The collection includes 500 pages of unique handwritten and lithographic maps related to the Qajar era in Iran. Although geographical map preparation in Iran dates back to the 3rd century in the lunar calendar (9th century in the Gregorian calendar), application of exact cartographic scales in mapping in Iran was initiated in the 13th century of the lunar calendar (18th century Gregorian Calendar), subsequent to the establishment of Darolfonon (polytechnic school) the first higher education centre in Iran. The maps provide information on boundary lines, impacts of human-instigated and natural disasters on the borders, and geographical place names some of which are now either non-existent or have been renamed.
Israel - Rothschild Miscellany
The Rothschild Miscellany is a unique lavishly illuminated compendium-manuscript adorned with magnificent miniatures in gold and silver leafs and precious pigments. The illustrations offer a rare window into the religious customs, daily lives and fashion of Italian Renaissance Jewry. It represents the creative pinnacle of Hebrew manuscript painting in the 15th century and is an unparalleled example of Jewish heritage from a period in which very few Jewish objects of material culture remain.
Japan - Midokanpakuki: the original handwritten diary of Fujiwara no Michinaga
Original diary written by Michinaga and an early transcription of it produced in the second half of the 11th century. Michinaga was the most influential person in the Japanese imperial court from the late 10th to the early 11th century. He achieved great wealth and prosperity with his political and economic power. It is the world's oldest autographic diary and a personal record of a historically important person. It includes vivid depictions of political, economic, social, cultural, religious and international events and matters at the centre of power during a time in the Heian period (794-1192) when Japan's court culture reached its peak, making it an extremely significant document for both Japanese and world history.
Japan and Spain - Materials Related to the Keicho-era Mission to Europe, Japan and Spain
A collection of materials that were brought to Japan by the Keicho-era mission to Europe. A mission sent from the country on the eastern edge of Asia to the Western world during the Age of Discovery, when international exchanges on a global scale were going on. This cultural heritage reflects the great impact the Keicho-era mission had on the European people and indicate the significance of the role the mission played to enhance the understanding of the existence of a different cultural sphere among Europeans. The materials have a great significance in world history.
Republic of Korea - Archives of Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement)
The archives include presidential speeches, government papers, village documents, letters, manuals, photographs and video clips related to Saemaul Undong conducted from 1970 to 1979 in the Republic of Korea. The movement laid the foundation for Korea to grow into a major economy from one of the world's poorest countries. Saemaul Undong marked the first step in this remarkable journey. The experience of the Korean people in this process is a valuable asset for humankind. Between 1970 and 2011, some 53,000 public officials and village leaders from 129 nations visited Korea to learn about Saemaul Undong.
Republic of Korea - Nanjung Ilgi: War Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin
Handwritten journal of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, written during the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598. It consists of seven volumes of notes written almost daily from January 1592 through November 1598, until the days before Yi Sun-si was killed on the cusp of a decisive victory, in the last sea battle of the war. The diary is without equal in world history as a commander's battlefield accounts. Written as a personal journal, it describes in detail the daily combat situations, the admiral's personal views and feelings, observations on the weather, topographical features of battlefields and the lives of common people. The style is simple and elegant. This war diary has been widely used in modern Western countries as well as in Korea to study the sea battles during the seven-year war.
Mexico - Old fonds of the historical archive at Colegio de Vizcaínas: women's education and support in the history of the world
Represents a very rich and highly significant source to learn about the behavior, conducts and thought related to women, their education and protection during more than three hundred years of historical evolution. Upon reading about the details of daily life of the women a variety of subjects can be discovered that among others, have to do with politics, economy, religion or art and therefore constitute a historical legacy of incalculable value.
Mongolia - Kanjur written with 9 precious stones
Large collection of over 1600 works on ten great and small sciences of traditional Buddhism (philosophy, technology, logic, medicine, philology, astrology, model dance, poetics, Abhidarma, composition) created by ancient Indian and Tibetan scientists and panditas. It is the world's only copy and an important part of intellectual heritage of humanity, which demonstrates remarkable traditional methods of Mongolians to create books by using precious stones. This sutra includes many pictures such as deities, human beings and animals namely birds, tigers, tortoise, finely painted in various colors, expressing the ideals of philosophy, beauty and mercy. It proves that ancient and medieval Mongolian artists understood profoundly the compassion of Buddhism and power of internal intelligence.
The Netherlands and Germany - Manifest der Kommunistischen Partei, draft manuscript page and Das Kapital. Erster Band, Karl Marx's personal annotated copy
The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital are two of the most important publications of the 19th century, hugely influential to the present day. Both were written by Karl Marx, in cooperation with Friedrich Engels. Both were translated in practically every language, and published world-wide. These writings had a tremendous impact on the development of socialist, communist and other revolutionary movements throughout the 19th and 20st century. The writings of Marx and Engels were rigidly interpreted and used to justify repression and the absolute control of the state over the individual. In many African, Asian and Latin American countries, Marxism was a main source of inspiration for liberation movements.
Peru - Travelling Registry of the Conquistadors or "Becerro Book"
The Travelling Registry of the Conquistadors (1533-1538) is the first written testimony of the process of “westernization” of Latin America, or the spread and implementation of European socio-economic, political and cultural institutions. It offers a valuable insight into the concrete actions carried out by individual characters and complements the early chronicles in which anonymous characters predominate. It is a unique source for the study of the early years of the encounter between two cultures as the document was written during the Conquistadors’ journey across the different territories that they settled.
Portugal - Journal of the first voyage of Vasco da Gama to India, 1497-1499
Although the Journal of the first voyage of Vasco da Gama to India from 1497 to1499 is an anonymous work, it provides testimony of the pioneer sea voyage to India, one of the defining moments that changed the course of history. This manuscript is the only known contemporary copy of the report of the first voyage of Vasco da Gama to India, whose journey apart from being one of the greatest pieces of European seamanship of that time, acted as a catalyst for a series of events that would change the world.
Russian Federation - The Laurentian Chronicle 1377
The earliest Russian chronicle surviving almost intact. The codex contains the earliest extant copy of the Tale of Bygone Years and provides the most authoritative source for the primary history of Eastern Slavs in the context of worldwide processes in medieval history. The text describes the events going on both in the Slavic lands and in the vast territories abroad including Byzantium, Europe and Eastern nomadic tribes. Made at the time of the Kulikov Battle, the Laurentian Chronicle had a crucial role in ideological and moral justification of the need for political unity in Russia and consolidation of all patriotic forces on the eve of resolute resistance to the Horde.
Spain - Llibre del Sindicat Remença (1448)
The Llibre del Sindicat Remença (Peasant Syndicate Book) is a handwritten record in Latin
between 1448 and 1449 containing the proceedings of meetings between serfs (remences) in various Catalan dioceses to select the syndics, who were entrusted with negotiating the abolition of serfdom with the monarchy due to seigneurial abuses. The 1448 Peasant Syndicate was a precedent that expressed the will of serfs from a wide area, which makes it exceptional.
Switzerland - The Montreux Jazz Festival: Claude Nob's Legacy
This collection contains more than 5,000 hours of concerts recorded both in audio and video by many of the greatest names in jazz, blues and rock since the creation of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967, by the visionary Claude Nobs. It includes some extremely rare improvised jam sessions and unique footage of performers like Marvin Gaye who recorded their first and only performance for television in Montreux. Miles Davis played his last performance, conducted by Quincy Jones in 1991.
Vanuatu and United Kingdom - Arthur Bernard Deacon (1903-27) collection MS 90-98
The original drawings and notes of Arthur Bernard Deacon, during his visit to Malekula and the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) in 1926 recording the language, customs and traditional tales of the people he studied, and illustrating the famous sand drawing tradition for which the islands are still renowned. The material he collected from the individuals he interviewed is of great value to the people of the islands of Vanuatu eager to retain knowledge of their heritage, and his recording is detailed and unique. Deacon’s portrayal of a culture without an extensive written history is of importance to all of us and brings to light the work of one of the most promising anthropologists of the last century.