Adrar – The digitization of the national manuscript heritage is an urgent necessity to enhance its civilizational, cultural, and scientific value, stated the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Ben Douda, during a visit to Adrar on Sunday.
Speaking at a conference focused on preserving Algeria’s rich cultural legacy, Minister Ben Douda emphasized the critical role technology plays in safeguarding these invaluable historical documents for future generations. She highlighted that many manuscripts, some dating back centuries, are vulnerable to deterioration due to age, environmental factors, and limited accessibility.
“Digitization offers a robust solution, creating digital copies that can be easily accessed, shared, and studied by researchers and the public alike,” Ben Douda explained. “It also ensures the long-term preservation of these texts, protecting them from loss or damage.”
The Minister further noted that the digitization project is not merely about creating digital archives. It is also about making this heritage more accessible to a wider audience, both within Algeria and internationally. This increased accessibility, she believes, will foster a greater appreciation for Algeria’s intellectual and cultural contributions to the world.
The project will involve the meticulous scanning and cataloging of manuscripts held in various libraries, museums, and private collections across the country. Advanced image processing techniques will be employed to enhance the quality of the digital images, making them easier to read and study.
The Ministry of Culture and Arts is collaborating with various institutions, including universities and research centers, to ensure the success of this ambitious undertaking. Experts in manuscript preservation, digital imaging, and Arabic calligraphy are working together to develop best practices for the project.
This initiative underscores the Algerian government’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. By embracing technology, Algeria is taking proactive steps to safeguard its intellectual legacy and ensure that it remains a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.
