Mykhaylo Yakubovych

This project focuses on the urgent task of preserving Islamic manuscripts housed in Ukrainian libraries during times of war. These manuscripts (ranging from religious texts and legal treatises to scientific and literary works) form an integral part of Ukraine’s diverse cultural and intellectual heritage, particularly reflecting the histories of Crimean Tatars and other Muslim communities. As armed conflict threatens archives and cultural institutions, these written legacies face severe risks, including damage, displacement, and permanent loss. The project aims to document, assess, and implement strategies to safeguard these collections through local engagement, emergency preservation protocols, and digital archiving. By collaborating with Ukrainian librarians, cultural heritage workers, and international partners, the initiative seeks not only to protect the physical manuscripts but also to ensure their accessibility for future generations. Activities include creating inventories, digitizing those materials, and raising awareness about the significance of Islamic manuscript heritage in Ukraine. This work is not only a response to the immediate threats of war but also a broader commitment to cultural resilience, interreligious understanding, and historical continuity. Through this preservation effort, the project contributes to defending minority heritage and promoting the role of cultural memory.