ISTANBUL, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye has made extensive efforts in manuscript restoration and digitization to safeguard invaluable historical treasures and ensure the preservation of centuries-old works for future generations, a Turkish expert has said.
Specializing in restoration and art history at the Turkish Manuscripts Institution, Nil Baydar, head of the organization's Conservation and Archive Department, has dedicated nearly 35 years to preserving Türkiye's priceless manuscript collection.
In an interview with Xinhua, Baydar explained how her institution oversees around 300,000 manuscripts, or some 250,000 volumes, housed in libraries across Türkiye. These ancient works, some dating back centuries, are meticulously tended with urgent repairs managed at the institution's conservatory.
The preservation of these historical works relies on a careful blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, she said.
"The restoration begins with cleaning and pest eradication. If the manuscripts have been attacked by insects, we use a shock-freezing process at minus 40 degrees Celsius to eliminate them," she said. Each manuscript undergoes a thorough analysis, with restoration efforts tailored to its specific condition and urgency.
Currently, 98 percent of Türkiye's manuscripts have been digitized and are accessible online. However, Baydar deemed physical preservation essential.
"We must preserve these manuscripts physically to protect the tangible evidence of our civilization," she said. "While digitization is crucial, if digital data were lost or become inaccessible, we would have to rely on the physical copies once again."
Some manuscripts, preserved for over a thousand years, contain elements of ancient materials, such as fibers, threads, and leather, that cannot be digitized or replicated in digital form.
"The dedication to both physical conservation and digital preservation reflects the nation's commitment to safeguarding its cultural legacy for the world," said the expert.
Many of the manuscripts preserved by the institution highlight the historical importance of the Silk Road.
"The manuscripts, mostly from the Ottoman Empire period, cover a wide range of topics such as geography, history, religion, trade, and culture," the expert noted.
One notable example is the renowned Ottoman traveler Evliya Celebi's travelogue, which offers a comprehensive vivid account of his journeys across the Ottoman Empire and beyond in the 17th century with ample details about the cultures, customs, landscapes, and people he encountered.
Some works, she said, placed a particular focus on China. "These include travelogues, geographical texts, and historical accounts, shedding light on its life, culture, and trade."
The Gift to the Great Ones on Naval Campaigns, a significant 17th-century Ottoman work written by the admiral and scholar Seydi Ali Reis, explores maritime trade between China and other Asian countries, showcasing the cultural and economic exchanges along the Silk Road.
Baydar said that through meticulous efforts, Türkiye is not only preserving its rich history but also ensuring that future generations will have access to the invaluable knowledge contained within these ancient manuscripts. ■