From January 6-7, 2024, specialists of the Conservation, Restoration and Binding Service of the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in the international scientific and practical seminar «Calligraphy and the Art of restoration of the written heritage of the Islamic Republic of Iran», which was held at the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books in Astana.

Scientists and restoration experts from Iran were invited to this event.

Organizers: The National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Iranian Cultural Center.

During two days, traditional models and unique practices of manuscript restoration in Iran were discussed, as well as issues of expanding cooperation between Kazakh-Iranian cultural institutions were raised.

Within the framework of the seminar, the restorers of the Iranian International Microfilm Center "Nur" held master classes on papermaking, restoration of leather and lacquer bindings, processing of book blocks by stitching notebooks, stitching on cords, as well as making marble paper using the Ebru technique.

Specialists were particularly interested in various methods and skills of working with manuscripts by scientists Mehdi Khojapiri, Hossein Ali Jafarian and Doctor of Arts Hamid Malekian, as well as the use of natural materials for restoration, adhesives of plant and animal origin.

The event was attended by representatives of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kazakhstan and specialists-restorers of archives, libraries and museums from the regions of the country.