TIKA Supports Restoration of 1500 Ottoman Manuscripts in Algeria
A training program organized by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the Turkish Manuscripts Association and the Algerian Center for Islamic Sciences and Civilization Research, has successfully identified, classified, repaired, preserved, and digitized Ottoman period manuscripts in Al-Agvat, Algeria. The program saw the participation of 22 academics and experts, who worked diligently to clean, maintain, and classify 1500 manuscripts from the Ottoman period.
The ceremony, held at the Islamic Sciences and Civilization Research Center, saw certificates being awarded to the academics and center employees who were involved in the training program. TİKA Algeria Coordinator Gökçen Kalkan, Turkish Manuscripts Association Konya Regional Director Bekir Şahin, and Algerian Islamic and Civilization Research Center Director Ahmet Binsağir were present at the event.
During the program, a significant number of Ottoman period manuscripts were transferred to digital media, with ongoing efforts to publish them as a catalog. TİKA Coordinator Kalkan highlighted the importance of preserving these manuscripts, which had faced systematic destruction during the French occupation of Algeria. He emphasized the significance of these works in shedding light on Turkish-Algerian common history and cultural richness.
Ahmet Binsağir, Director of the Algerian Islamic and Civilization Research Center, expressed gratitude towards TİKA, Turkey’s Ambassador to Algeria Muhammet Mücahit Küçükyılmaz, and the Turkish Manuscripts Association for their support in the project. He noted that the project had raised awareness about manuscripts in al-Agvat, prompting individuals to bring manuscripts from their homes to the research center.
Bekir Şahin, Konya Regional Director of the Turkish Manuscripts Association, praised the progress made in preserving and providing access to the valuable manuscripts in al-Agvat. He expressed his satisfaction with the interest and dedication shown throughout the project.
Overall, the training program organized by TİKA has not only contributed to the preservation and digitization of Ottoman period manuscripts in Algeria but has also raised awareness about the importance of these cultural treasures. The project has paved the way for the creation of a library within the Algerian Islamic Sciences and Civilization Research Center, showcasing manuscripts from all Sahara cities.
