Details
Now is the chance to work with others to unlock the secrets of one of the greatest archives of the middle ages. Hidden for centuries in the Geniza chamber of the Ben Ezra Synagogue in old Cairo, over 350,000 fragments of pre-modern and medieval documents, have yet to be fully deciphered. This is your opportunity to participate in the recovery of unknown chapters of the history and culture of medieval Jews, Muslims and others living in the Middle East and North African region.
We will be sorting fragments into Hebrew or Arabic script then transcribing them into easy-to-read Hebrew and Arabic. No prior knowledge, experience or foreign language proficiency is required. Please bring your laptop with you.
For more information and to RSVP please email: [email protected] by October 25th. Please include any dietary restrictions, as snacks will be served.
Co-sponsored by Penn Libraries, Zooniverse and Scribes of the Cairo Geniza.