Palestinian Researchers Honored with UNESCO/Jikji Prize for Manuscript Preservation

Historian Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Hashem and heritage researcher Haneen Al-Amassi have been named the winners of the 2026 UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize. This award recognizes their work in rescuing and digitizing more than 25,000 pages of endangered manuscripts from the Mamluk and Ottoman periods in Gaza. By securing these documents, they have not only saved irreplaceable historical records but have also built local capacity for long-term preservation, ensuring these artifacts remain available for the future.

Their achievement is rooted in the difficult reality of protecting cultural heritage within conflict zones. These manuscripts, which hold significant historical value, were at risk of being lost forever due to the unstable conditions in Gaza. To prevent this, Dr. Abu Hashem and Al-Amassi developed a comprehensive system to document, digitize, and conserve the collection while working under high-pressure circumstances. Their dedication to Gaza’s written history has earned international respect and serves as a testament to the persistence of heritage work in the face of adversity.

The practical side of the project involved a partnership with the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme, which provided essential support for the digitization process. A major milestone in the project was the establishment of Gaza’s first specialized laboratory for manuscript restoration, a facility that has significantly improved local preservation skills. Beyond standard conservation, the team also created emergency protocols to rescue collections during periods of active conflict, demonstrating a deep commitment to safeguarding these items even in the most volatile moments.

The impact of this work extends into the social and cultural life of the region. In preserving these manuscripts, Dr. Abu Hashem and Al-Amassi are helping to maintain the identity and collective memory of the Palestinian people. Their efforts show how documentary heritage can help foster community connection and resilience. Furthermore, the recognition from UNESCO brings global attention to the importance of such work and encourages international cooperation in the field of heritage protection.

Looking ahead, Dr. Abu Hashem and Al-Amassi intend to continue their integrated plan for documenting and rescuing Palestinian heritage. Their future work will focus on endangered materials held by local institutions as well as collections in the hands of private custodians. The UNESCO/Jikji Prize includes $40,000, which will fund these ongoing activities and help raise awareness of the need to protect historical records. Their initiatives may eventually serve as a model for similar projects in other regions affected by conflict, highlighting the global importance of cultural preservation.