18.08.2025 Workshop at the Research Library Gotha – Examining Oriental Manuscripts

The visit focused on the in-depth study of oriental manuscripts at the Gotha Research Library as part of the DAAD-funded project “Dealing with Material Culture in the Eastern Mediterranean: Between Excavation and Digitization (2023–2025)”, led by Philipps-Universität Marburg. The project aims to comprehensively document and digitally preserve the material culture of the Eastern Mediterranean from the Pharaonic period to the modern era.

The visit was carried out by an international group of scholars, including Professor Dr. Ahmad Alshoky, Dr. Hassan Ebeid, and Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim from Ain Shams University, Cairo; Dr. Feras Krimsti from Gotha Research Library; Professor Herr Fuess from Philipps-Universität Marburg; and Master's student Ragab Kamal Abouhalima from Marburg.

Workshop Focus and Activities:
The workshop centered on the examination and intensive study of selected oriental manuscripts, both original manuscripts and digital copies. Participants conducted detailed research, analyzed materials, and carefully documented significant manuscripts for further scholarly work. An important part of the visit was also the examination of the Seetzen Collection, which had been brought from Egypt to Germany in the 19th century. It is therefore especially meaningful that a German–Egyptian team is now working together on this collection.

In addition, participants engaged in a thorough exchange of research ideas, exploring potential collaborations for future publications and joint projects to strengthen international academic cooperation.

The visit to Gotha was highly successful both organizationally and academically. Participants gained valuable insights into oriental manuscript culture and laid the groundwork for future research collaborations and joint projects.