In coordination with the Department of History and Archaeology, University of Yahia Fares, Médéa,
and with the participation of
the Arabic Calligraphy and Manuscript Club,
the National Symposium on “Digitization and Manuscripts in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Reviving Memory and Envisioning the Future” was held.

The first day’s scientific sessions combined philosophical and academic perspectives on the symposium’s theme. The second day’s sessions focused on field experiences and legal frameworks, covering multiple aspects of the topic through two sessions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The third scientific session, chaired by Dr. Hakim Bougrara, included five presentations from professors representing the Universities of Médéa, In Salah, and Adrar.

The first presentation, titled “Efforts of the National Library in Preserving the Manuscripts of In Salah” by Professor Abdelkader Bouya, President of the Manuscript and Heritage Association of In Salah, highlighted the library’s work in digitization and raising awareness among manuscript owners about their treasures. He also called for the use of manuscripts as a tool for cultural tourism and for greater academic attention to them.

Dr. Khatsha Abdelkader and Professor Miftah Djeradji jointly presented “Artificial Intelligence: A Revolution in Preserving Cultural Heritage,” explaining how digitization and modern technologies are used in image recognition and digital modeling through algorithms, giving predictive examples in the field of archaeology.

The session chair, Dr. Hakim Bougrara, presented a field study titled “Algeria’s Experience in Digitizing Manuscripts through the National Center in Adrar,” highlighting Algeria’s attention to tangible heritage, especially manuscripts, through dedicated research bodies and institutions such as the National Center in Adrar.

Dr. Ahmed Fajr, in his presentation “Digitizing Manuscripts and Publishing Them via Telegram Platform,” discussed using Telegram as a tool to aid in the early stages of manuscript digitization—planning and coordination—and examined digital alternatives for this process.

Professor Moulay Mohamed from the University of Adrar participated via Zoom with his presentation “Foundations and Challenges of Manuscript Digitization in Algeria.” He stressed that digitizing manuscripts is a major national and cultural project to preserve heritage and make it accessible to researchers and the public. He noted that the National Library is the cornerstone of digitization projects, having already digitized thousands of rare manuscripts and made some available online.

The morning sessions concluded and resumed later in the evening.

The fourth scientific session in the evening focused mainly on legal frameworks for protecting manuscripts.

In the first session, Dr. Youssef Maai from the University of Médéa emphasized the need to understand legal frameworks for protecting heritage and manuscripts, and to identify the relevant authorities. His presentation was titled “Legal Protection of Manuscripts in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Dr. Fatima Bougoula from the University of Algiers 1, in her presentation “Legal Challenges of Manuscript Digitization under Artificial Intelligence,” reviewed existing laws and regulations protecting manuscripts and intellectual property, noting the legal loopholes that expose manuscripts to theft.

Professor Zougai Mohamed, chair of the fourth session, presented “Requirements for Academic Research Between Classical Standards and Modern Digital Mechanisms,” addressing the evolving expectations of research writing in the digital age.

The closing presentation was by Dr. Beladlel Tayeb from the University of Djelfa, titled “The Editor and Digital Media: Benefits and Potential Risks.” He emphasized the need to protect manuscript editors amid the dominance of digital technologies, and urged not to abandon paper completely, as it remains a valuable part of cultural heritage.

The sessions concluded with a set of recommendations read by Professor Rachid Miyad, which included:

1. Adopting unified standards for digital preservation mechanisms.

2. Encouraging joint research teams between libraries and universities for manuscript study and analysis.

3. Giving special attention to the legal and ethical framework of manuscript protection.

4. Enhancing Algeria’s experience in manuscript digitization and promoting the use of modern software.

5. Organizing workshops on manuscript digitization.

6. Publishing the symposium’s proceedings in a collective volume.

The symposium closed with remarks from the director, who thanked all participants—lecturers, staff, library personnel, and the distinguished audience—for their efforts in making the event a success.

On the sidelines of the symposium, manuscripts from the In Salah collections belonging to the Cultural Manuscript Center of In Salah were displayed, along with an exhibition organized by the Arabic Calligraphy and Manuscript Club, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Médéa.