UniSZA Manuscript Digitalization Project: Experiences in Southern Thailand

Abstract

This paper presents a study related to the tracking and digitalization of Malay manuscripts conducted by Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA) in southern Thailand, specifically in Patani, Narathiwat, and Yala. The project began in 2019 and ended on August 31, 2024, for Phase One. This region is well known for its Islamic scholarly activities in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many prominent scholars and significant works were produced in various fields of knowledge. This legacy is still preserved today in the form of handwritten manuscripts, which may deteriorate if not properly handled. This project aims to trace this invaluable heritage and digitize it for the benefit of contemporary and future generations. The paper includes the background of the study, tracking locations, manuscript lists, challenges, and hopes. The study found that several locations in southern Thailand have collections of Malay manuscripts, whether from institutions or individuals, and whether the manuscripts are complete, well-preserved, or otherwise. The manuscripts cover various Islamic disciplines such as theology, jurisprudence, mysticism, biography, and others. Many challenges and constraints were encountered during this study. However, it is optimistic that the collection of Malay scholars' manuscripts in southern Thailand is still abundant and can be traced and digitized for the benefit of all.