Emergency project for the library of the Monastery of Saint Mark, Jerusalem

The Syriac Orthodox Monastery of Saint Mark (Dayro d-Mor Marqos), according to the tradition built on the house of Mary in Jerusalem, preserves a collection of about 350 manuscripts in Syriac script, dating from the 8th to the 20th century. Mostly religious texts on parchment or paper, they are for a significant number of them still preserved in their original sewing structure and binding. The collection is affected by insects, dust, and poor storage conditions. While the regional conflict poses potential risks to this cultural heritage, climate change and higher level of humidity, floods and extreme heat threat also the material. The project aimed at implementing urgent measures for stabilizing their physical conditions, by dry cleaning, rehousing, improving storage room and creating accurate inventory lists. It also provides a comprehensive long-term conservation plan.