Iraqi conservators strive to preserve ancient manuscripts

A conservator uses a sponge to restore a manuscript fragment at the Iraqi Manuscript House's resoration lab. Photo: AFP

In an annex of Iraq's national museum, a conservator pores over a 17th-century manuscript, carrying out delicate restoration work as part of efforts to preserve and digitise 47,000 precious texts.

"Some manuscripts date back almost 1,000 years," said Ahmed al-Alyawi, who heads the House of Manuscripts body.