Towards a strategy for working in the Arabic manuscript heritage

Thinking about establishing an Arab network for heritage information lies at the top of the planning stages. I think that it must be preceded by a comprehensive strategy to work on heritage and manuscripts in particular, in order to save the memory of this nation from being lost, and in order to benefit from it now and in the future.
Individual efforts to investigate, prepare index for, or depict manuscripts are noble and commendable efforts whether they are undertaken by individuals or institutions.
However, this huge heritage of manuscripts, which is estimated at several millions of volumes, is not sufficient for these sporadic efforts despite their greatness. Rather, it needs a collective direction and action, governed by a strategic plan that defines the dimensions, roles, stages and priorities, and combines the movement of creative individuals and institutions in an integrated, growing and developed performance.
With this strategy, I hope that we will create what we can call the “heritage future”, if we will, which combines the giving of the past and future visions. This strategy is what draws the plan of this nation in its correct dealing with its heritage of manuscripts, among others, and renews its hope to save its civilizational memory from being lost.
What is important is that the present and the future be integrated and harmonious with the ancient heritage in an intellectual and civilized system that highlights the most wonderful achievements of Arab civilization and what it has provided and will offer generously and sympathetically with human civilization.