Preserving the past: Unveiling challenges in ancient Islamic manuscript conservation

In recent decades, research into ancient Islamic manuscripts has significantly advanced, elucidating diverse material and technical details. Despite this progress, a noticeable gap persists in understanding the material and technical aspects, particularly regarding illuminations. Moreover, it is imperative to investigate whether different technical features of bookbinding can impact the preservation condition of the textblock. This gap in understanding is even more pronounced when compared to the comprehensive approaches applied to ancient Western manuscripts. This paper emphasizes the critical importance of adopting an accessible and comprehensive methodology to explore the complexities of Islamic manuscript production, aiming to enhance their preservation efforts by establishing effective strategies to safeguard this cultural heritage for future generations.