Manuscripts and archival documents are far more than mere remnants of historical writings; each folio encapsulates an integral chapter in the history of thought, culture, education, and social life. Consequently, the identification, collection, preservation, cataloging, and digitization of these works represent one of the most vital imperatives in safeguarding the written heritage of any civilization.

In this regard, the Center for Documents and Manuscripts at the University of Kurdistan, affiliated with the Central Library of the university, commenced its operations in 2022 (1401 SH) with the objective of collecting, preserving, and digitizing rare resources, archival records, and manuscripts. The center strives to identify and gather the written heritage preserved within families and private collections, thereby documenting a significant portion of Kurdistan’s intellectual and cultural repository and making it accessible to researchers.

Dr. Navid Naqshbandi, Director of the Center for Documents and Manuscripts at the University of Kurdistan, stated in an interview with the University Public Relations: "Historically, the region of Kurdistan has been a prominent center of knowledge and culture across the Islamic world, producing numerous scholars, literati, jurists, mystics, and intellectuals. The presence of mosques, religious seminaries, khanqahs, private libraries, and scholarly lineages across various cities and districts of Kurdistan has fostered the creation and preservation of a rich repository of books and historical documents. Systematically collecting and documenting these materials constitutes a decisive step toward comprehending the intellectual and cultural history of Kurdistan and paving the way for future academic research."

Highlighting the measures undertaken by the center, he added: "Since its inception, over 27,000 pages of books and archival documents have been scanned and digitized, alongside the acquisition and curation of a distinguished collection of manuscripts and rare books."

Naqshbandi noted: "These initiatives represent initial steps toward archiving, documenting, and collecting manuscripts, and we hope that through the continuation of this process, we will be able to identify and record broader dimensions of Kurdistan's written heritage."

Referring to the positive reception of the center's activities by intellectuals and custodians of scientific collections, the director stated: "Fortunately, the center's mission has been met with remarkable support from scholars and collectors, whose donations of private collections have significantly enriched our holdings."

He noted: "Among them, special gratitude is due to scholars and figures such as Ostad Momen Mardokh, Fouad Ebrahimi, Rezvan Motavassel, Fouad Motavassel, Farshad Qaderi, and the late Professor Asad Sheikholeslami."

Naqshbandi added: "Furthermore, prominent intellectual and noble families of Kurdistan—including the Heyrat Sajjadi, Emam Mardokh, Mostowfi, Ala'i Ardalan, and Mohammadi families, among many others whose names cannot all be cited in this brief report—have generously collaborated in this endeavor."

He continued: "Currently, the Center for Documents and Manuscripts at the University of Kurdistan preserves over 500 manuscripts, lithographs, and early lead-type prints. Additionally, the repository houses 28 collections of historical documents pertaining to property deeds and marriage contracts, alongside more than 85 series of reputable periodicals and magazines, and archives of 53 newspapers. In conjunction with the acquired archival records and manuscripts, this collection constitutes a valuable asset for historical, religious, literary, social, and cultural studies concerning Kurdistan and adjacent regions."

Emphasizing the imperative of cooperation with private collectors and scholarly families in preserving these artifacts, Naqshbandi concluded: "The Center for Documents and Manuscripts at the University of Kurdistan is fully prepared, within scientific and legal frameworks, to collaborate with collectors, writers, scholars, and all dedicated individuals committed to preserving the heritage of this land and advancing its intellectual and cultural development."