Deir al Surian Projects

This project aims to conserve manuscripts within the Deir al Surian monastery in Egypt. Coptic and Arabic manuscripts will be conserved, catalogued and photographed.

The Library of Deir al Surian in the Egyptian desert is of inestimable importance. Dating from the 5th century, the manuscripts it houses are in Syriac, Coptic, Arabic and Ethiopic. They include the earliest biblical texts and works of Church Fathers of which the Greek originals are now lost. After 1600 years in a living community these irreplaceable treasures are in need of preservation for future generations. The Levantine Foundation is therefore working with the monastery to conserve this unique inheritance, and with modern technology, to make it available to the world of scholarship.

Current projects include the preservation of the collection of ancient Christian manuscripts from Deir al Surian dating back to the fifth century, cataloguing of the Coptic, Christian Arabic and Ethiopic collection.

Project Details


Location: Egypt, Northern Africa, Africa Organiser(s): The Levantine Foundation Project partner(s): Deir al Surian Monastery Funder(s): British Council Cultural Protection Fund in partnership with DCMS Funding received: £101,382.00 Commencement Date: 10/2019 Project Status: Active
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