TEHRAN — Deep within the vaults of Iran’s libraries lie centuries-old manuscripts—fragile yet enduring vessels of science, poetry, theology, and art. 
Next February, two of the country’s foremost cultural institutions, the National Library and Archives of Iran and the Library, Museum, and Document Center of the Iranian Parliament, will jointly host the 17th Commemoration of Patrons of Manuscripts, reviving an event paused for several years.
Held under the evocative theme “Yesterday’s Heritage, Today’s Wisdom,” the ceremony will celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to the preservation, restoration, study, and dissemination of Persian and Islamic manuscripts—texts that represent one of the world’s richest and most continuous literary traditions.
The organizers have issued a nationwide call to researchers, publishers, universities, and cultural organizations to submit their most important contributions from the past five years, ranging from the critical editing of ancient texts to the digital archiving of endangered volumes. The deadline for entries is September 21, 2025.
The event will recognize a wide spectrum of contributions to manuscript culture, from codicologists and conservators to digital archivists and private collectors. Among the areas to be recognized are:
Textual criticism and scholarly editing
Cataloguing and classification of rare manuscripts
Binding, restoration, and preservation techniques
Public access and education in manuscript literacy
Digitization and database creation
Donation of private manuscript collections
Media programs and podcasts about manuscript heritage
Literary and creative works—such as documentaries and screenplays—rooted in historical texts
Special attention will also be given to efforts in Islamic calligraphy and book arts, highlighting the visual dimension of this literary tradition—illuminated Qur’ans, miniature-rich epics, and scientific treatises penned in calligraphy as intricate as the ideas they contain.
For centuries, Iran has been a heartland of knowledge, where scholars copied and preserved ancient texts long before the printing press arrived. From medicine and astronomy to Sufi metaphysics and classical poetry, these manuscripts form a thread that ties modern-day Iran to a vibrant intellectual past.
“In recognizing those who preserve and interpret this legacy,” organizers say, “we reaffirm the enduring power of knowledge passed from hand to hand, across generations.”
How to Participate
Individuals and institutions interested in submitting their works can visit the official website at www.hamiankhati.ir, email the Secretariat at hamian@nlai.ir, or call +98 21 8162 2793 for more information.