Ethiopian heritage experts train in Türkiye on art of manuscript restoration

In an inspiring exchange of cultural preservation, Türkiye has completed the training of Ethiopian heritage specialists in ancient manuscript restoration. 

The “Training Program on Manuscript Restoration and Preservation Techniques,” a collaborative effort between the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Turkish Manuscripts Institution, took place at Istanbul’s Rami Library Complex Book Hospital.

For a week, eleven archivists and museum professionals from Ethiopia’s Harar State Culture, Heritage, and Tourism Office immersed themselves in the intricate science and art of conserving centuries-old manuscripts. 

Guided by master conservators, the participants explored both the theoretical and practical dimensions of preventive conservation—learning how to assess damage, mitigate chemical and biological decay, and prioritize restoration needs.

The programme also offered an inside look at Türkiye’s advanced manuscript care infrastructure.

Participants toured the Book Hospital’s chemistry and biology laboratories, the historic Süleymaniye Manuscript Library, and its state-of-the-art storage facilities. Here, they witnessed how traditional craftsmanship and modern research coexist to safeguard fragile written legacies.

Organisers said the workshops provided an intimate, tactile experience—teaching techniques for cleaning, mending, and stabilizing delicate pages. Beyond preservation, the course also addressed emergency response and disaster recovery planning, vital for protecting heritage collections in times of crisis.

The training culminated in a certificate ceremony celebrating not only new technical skills but also the strengthening of cultural ties between Türkiye and Ethiopia.