Qatar National Library’s role as a guardian of the region’s heritage took center stage in May with a lineup of events designed to develop conservation expertise and combat the illicit trafficking of cultural objects.
In its capacity as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Regional Center, the Library hosted events ranging from training sessions on the restoration and preservation of archival materials to workshops on combating the illicit trafficking of documentary heritage.
On 1 May, the Library concluded a two-day training course designed to equip the staff of the National Archives of Qatar with the required skills to preserve and manage archival materials.
Participants gained insights into best practices for the storage, proper handling, and preventive conservation of archival materials from both a theoretical and practical perspective.
On 14 May, the Library hosted a session on combating the trafficking of documentary heritage in the MENA region as part of the 45th Conference of MELCom International, which took place in London. The session brought together Huism Tan, QNL’s Executive Director, along with Abir Chorfa of the Antiquities Coalition.
Ms. Tan touched on the Himaya Project, QNL's program to stop the trafficking of documentary heritage in the MENA region, while Mrs. Chorfa explored the intersection of digital technology with cultural heritage preservation.
QNL’s collaboration with MELCom International, the European Association of Middle East Librarians, highlighted the Library’s commitment to safeguarding the region's documentary treasures through international cooperation and advanced methodologies.
Also, within the framework of the Himaya Project, the Library organized a webinar on 21 May to discuss UNIDROIT’s contribution to the fight against the trafficking and illegal trade in cultural objects.
The webinar touched on efforts to facilitate the restitution of stolen items and the return of illegally exported works, leveraging the procedures and mechanisms established by the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention.
The Library wrapped up these activities with a five-day program, organized by the Preservation and Conservation Center, on the restoration and conservation of archival materials. The workshop was tailored specifically for conservation specialists from the Sharjah Archives and covered a wide array of topics including common conservation issues in archival materials, conservation treatments, proper storage, advanced cleaning and deacidification processes, and bookbinding methods.
The event highlighted QNL's ongoing commitment to the preservation and conservation of documentary heritage, strengthening regional capabilities in archival care.
“As the IFLA PAC Regional Center, Qatar National Library proudly leads the way in preserving and safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of our region,” said Maxim Nasra, Head of Preservation and Conservation at QNL. “Through our comprehensive training and international collaborations, we are not only helping to combat the illicit trafficking of documentary heritage in the region but are also significantly enhancing the skills and methodologies necessary for the advanced conservation of documentary heritage. These efforts underscore our commitment to preserving and making accessible Qatar’s documentary heritage for present and future generations, and support the preservation of documentary heritage in the Arab region and the wider Middle East.”
