Qatar National Library Showcases Broad Documentary Heritage Protection Efforts on International Day Against Illicit Trafficking

Qatar National Library's "Himaya" project has strengthened efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and protect documentary heritage from theft and smuggling through specialist training, international cooperation and the documentation of historical collections.

Launched in 2020, the project has also helped identify rare manuscripts offered for sale at international auctions, prompting intervention with auction houses and the withdrawal of some items from circulation.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) ahead of the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, observed on November 14, Maxim Nasra, Head of the Library's Preservation and Conservation Center, stressed the importance of cooperation between cultural institutions and law enforcement agencies in protecting documentary heritage.

He said the initiative provides training for staff working in libraries, archives, museums and other cultural institutions, as well as customs officials and border authorities, on identifying, documenting and handling historical manuscripts and understanding relevant international conventions and legislation.

Among its notable achievements was the identification of a rare fragment of a Holy Quran dating back to the 15th century, which appeared at an auction in 2021. The manuscript had previously been documented in the Afghan National Archives in 2016.

Following the library's intervention and submission of supporting documentation, the item was withdrawn from the auction. Eight other manuscripts believed to belong to the same collection were also identified.

Nasra highlighted the Doha Workshops on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, launched in 2022 and later developed into an international conference. Its fourth edition, held in September 2025, brought together more than 100 participants from over 20 countries.

The library has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar's General Authority of Customs in 2024 and conducted training programs for customs and law enforcement officials in Qatar and Morocco in cooperation with ICESCO.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the library will organize an online international seminar on Sunday, bringing together experts from Qatar, Oman, Europe and Australia to discuss the verification of cultural artefacts' provenance, auction houses' responsibilities and mechanisms for recovering stolen heritage.

Nasra also pointed to the role of the IFLA Regional Center for Preservation and Conservation, hosted by Qatar National Library since August 2015. More than 1,000 specialists from across the region have benefited from its training programs.

The center has also supported cultural institutions affected by the 2020 Beirut port explosion and provided technical assistance to initiatives protecting manuscripts and documents in Sanaa and Gaza.

Nasra stressed that protecting documentary heritage requires an integrated approach combining legislation, law enforcement, technical expertise and international cooperation.

He said the project's priorities for the next phase include continuing and expanding the Doha conference series, extending customs training programs to other countries and strengthening the disaster preparedness of documentary heritage institutions.

Plans also include developing guidelines tailored to Islamic manuscripts, activating the memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts, engaging universities, auction houses and private collectors, expanding jointly funded projects and using digital technologies to improve documentation and monitoring. 

Source: QNA

--

About Qatar Living:

Since 2005, Qatar Living has been the trusted destination for everything Qatar. As the country's largest online community and marketplace, Qatar Living connects people with opportunities through jobs, property, vehicles, services, classifieds, events, local insights, and breaking news. Trusted by residents, newcomers, visitors, and businesses alike, Qatar Living brings Qatar together in one place.

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial