MEMORYKEEPING PROJECT IN SYRIA
Series of expeditons and consultations to save Syrian historical documents from being lost as a result of military conflict
The conflict in Syria is a serious threat not only to human lives, but to the future of the amazing historical heritage of Syria, and its documented and archival heritage as well.
In Russia we have a serious experience with scanning and copying of archive documents, the biggest free online database of historical documents concerning those killed in action in WW2 for more then 18 000 000 people was made in Russia.
Seriously troubled and worried about the future of valuable historical documents we are managing the consulting expeditions to Syria in 2013-2014 and have already completed our preparations.
The main goal of this expedition are:
to gain a proper understanding of the system of archiving in Syria, and of the way in which the relevant documents are divided between the different holders.
- to gain a clearer knowledge of the character and value of these documents, to determine which of them particularly need to be copied
- to gain permission from the relevant holders to copy those documents, and to discuss and agree the level of access that should be allowed to them.
to proceed to copy the documents
- to make them accessible online in so far as this has been agreed
The expedition is led by Russian Historian and professional genelogist Semionoff Vitaly (Moscow, Russia) with the authority of Syrian Arab Republic Embassy in Moscow,
Any information, help or advice from those who would wish to assist in these aims would be warmly welcomed
We accordingly invite all who sympathise with our aims, whether individuals or institutions, to support our expedition and help in any way that is possible.