Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation has launched the Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites in the Arab region.
Accordingly, an Arab country will be selected as the guest for each edition of the prize.
Participation in this edition will be limited to authenticated manuscripts and research studies on archaeological sites in that country.
However, participation will be open to participants of all nationalities and not limited to those from the selected country.
Morocco has been selected as the honorary guest for the inaugural edition of the Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites, coinciding with the Qatar-Moroccan Year of Cultural 2024.
The new prize has two categories: the first is dedicated to conducting research on original manuscripts that have not been previously published, and the second is for the best research study on archaeological sites or landmarks in the Arab region, under specific conditions.
A specialised scientific committee will be entrusted with studying and evaluating the authenticated manuscripts and archaeological research submitted to select the top three authenticated manuscripts and the top three archaeological research papers.
The winning works will become the property of Katara Publishing House, which will have the right to publish and distribute them.
Submissions for the inaugural edition of Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites will be accepted starting Tuesday, and will be open for three months.
The prize is aimed at encouraging manuscript owners, experts, and specialists in the field of archaeology to share their collections and research efforts for wider audience to enhance the Arab and Islamic culture.
Further, it aims to encourage Arabic publishing and urge publishers to contribute to the advancement of the Arab intellectual activities through presenting innovative and contemporary works that address contemporary issues.
The prize committee has set specific conditions for participation in the prize, including common requirements for both categories as well as specific requirements for each category.
For instance, manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and in Arabic, while archaeological research must provide comprehensive backgrounds on the historical context and cultural significance of the sites being studied.
The winners in both categories will receive cash prizes, with the first prize winner receiving $20,000, the second prize $15,000, and the third prize winner $10,000.
Katara general manager Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said that the launch of the Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites is part of Katara's efforts to foster culture and preserve the Arab and Islamic heritage through the promotion of valuable manuscripts and facilitating their accessibility to researchers and scholars.
He added that shedding light on archaeological sites in the Arab region, which are essential elements of national heritage, provides an opportunity to explore valuable historical sources, enrich research, expand knowledge, and promote tourism in the Arab region.
Participants of the award should not be less than 22 years old of age, and send their CVs and IDs in addition to other related information to [email protected] before the deadline of the application.
