4 days ago
National project highlights Oman's intellectual heritage
MUSCAT: The documentation and preservation of rare Omani manuscripts stand as one of the most significant national projects showcasing Oman's intellectual heritage. These manuscripts hold a rich cultural treasure that revives the history of ancestors and chronicles the stories that shaped Oman's identity and ancient legacy across different eras.
Nasr bin Nasser al Busaidy, Head of the Documentation and Inventory Department at the Directorate of Manuscripts in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, emphasised that the preservation, printing and dissemination of Omani manuscripts are among the most vital national projects highlighting Oman's intellectual heritage. "This effort is not confined to Oman's borders but extends worldwide," he said. He noted that several influential Omani figures have been recognised by Unesco, including the linguist Al Khalil bin Ahmad al Farahidi (inscribed in 2005) and the physician and pharmacist Rashid bin Umaira al Rustaqi (inscribed in 2013).
Al Busaidy explained that the manuscript preservation process at the ministry's Directorate of Manuscripts is meticulous and labour-intensive, aiming to restore the original text as written by authors centuries ago. Manuscripts undergo multiple stages before being fully documented: upon receipt, they are sterilised to protect handlers from potential hazards caused by fungi, age and humidity. They are then manually restored, reinforced, catalogued and digitally scanned to prevent loss. Digital copies facilitate access for researchers while the originals are stored in specialised climate-controlled archives to ensure long-term preservation, he pointed out.
He stressed that Oman's intellectual heritage must be safeguarded for future generations. With advanced technology, the directorate has successfully documented and published a vast number of manuscripts and encouraged researchers to contribute. The ministry adopts qualifying works for publication based on the manuscript's significance and the quality of its documentation. Since the directorate's establishment in 1976, nearly 400 titles have been published, and over 6,000 manuscripts across various fields have been archived, he noted. - ONA
