An Introduction to Arabic Manuscripts

This week-long workshop features leading authorities on the study of Arabic manuscripts. The workshop will equip emerging scholars with the basic tools to conduct research with original handwritten texts in Arabic script.

Over the course of five days, participants will learn the basics of codicology, palaeography, and manuscript production and circulation, in the context of an expansive vision of current debates in Arabic manuscript research.

Topics include:

• anatomy of the codex
• canonical and informal scripts
• colophons, audition notes, owners’ notes, readers’ notes
• digital collections
• ethics and best practices
• scribes and other craftspeople
• strategies for decipherment
• supports, bindings
• technical terminology
• transmission practices and patterns

Enrollment is free of charge. Full participation is by application only. Others may observe via webinar.

Application deadline is 22 April 2021. Apply at https://ucla.in/3cpTpu2 (All applicants welcome, regardless of home institution; priority will be given to PhD students and untenured scholars with compelling need to use Arabic manuscripts in their research.)