The Higher Institute of Modern History, part of the University of Manouba in Tunisia, is organizing a workshop titled "Digitizing the Institute's Archives: From Concept to Implementation" on November 18, 2026. This event is considered exceptional as it marks the first time in Tunisia and possibly in other countries that a digital archive will be used instead of a paper-based one for preserving and providing access to historical documents.
The workshop will cover various aspects of digitizing the institute's archives, including the French archives deposited at the institute, oral testimonies, and archives donated by individuals. The program includes presentations by key figures such as Hadi Jlali, the General Director of Archives, who will discuss the partnership and cooperation between the National Archives and the institute.
The event will also feature presentations by representatives from the National University Center for Scientific and Technical Research, Hanaa Mrouch and Bassem Amira, on their partnership with the institute to digitize and catalog the "Rafad" magazine. Additionally, there will be a presentation on the institute's private archives, how they can be digitized, and made accessible to researchers in the future.
Another key presentation will be given by Slaw Ben Hafeez, the former General Director of the Arab and Mediterranean Music Center, on cooperation with the institute to digitize magnetic tapes related to oral testimonies. The workshop will also include the signing of a partnership agreement between the institute and the Arab and Mediterranean Music Center.
During the workshop, an advanced scanner and its technical features will be showcased, along with a presentation by a company specializing in digital transformation and document management on how to access and use digital archives in scientific research. This event is a significant step towards preserving Tunisia's history and making it more accessible to researchers and the public.
The digitization of archives is a crucial step in preserving historical documents and making them available for research and study. This workshop is a collaborative effort between various institutions to achieve this goal and promote the use of digital technology in preserving and disseminating historical knowledge.
The Higher Institute of Modern History's initiative to digitize its archives is a significant development in the field of historical preservation in Tunisia. The workshop will not only provide a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities of digitization but also demonstrate the institute's commitment to making its archives more accessible to a wider audience.
Key points
- The workshop marks a significant step towards preserving and making historical documents more accessible through digitization.
Reporting sources
- Radio Tunisie Culture · Radio Tunisie Culture
