The University of Jordan (UJ) Center for Documents, Manuscripts, and Bilad Al-Sham Studies, in partnership with the Queen Rania Faculty of Tourism and Heritage at the Hashemite University, hosted the first annual workshop on Epigraphic Documentation, held under the theme “Between Traditional Methods and Digital Horizons.”
The event brought together prominent scholars, researchers, and heritage specialists from Jordan and abroad to examine how traditional techniques for preserving manuscripts and inscriptions can be enhanced, and in some cases transformed, by the use of modern digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
In his opening remarks, UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat described digital archiving as an urgent national priority. “The true measure of a nation’s progress lies in its ability to preserve its cultural and intellectual heritage,” he said, stressing the need for strategic plans and clear policies that align with global standards for digitizing Jordan’s documentary legacy.
He also noted that specialists working with historical documents must be equipped with the tools and skills to make the shift from outdated paper systems to modern, secure, and sustainable digital platforms.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab, who also took part in the event, called the workshop “a remarkable academic initiative that strikes a balance between authenticity and innovation.” She emphasized the enduring power of inscriptions to tell the stories of past civilizations in their own words, direct, original, and unaltered. Annab pointed to two recent milestones: the discovery of a hieroglyphic inscription in Wadi Rum attributed to Ramses III, and the documentation of more than 60,000 early Arabic inscriptions in Jordan as part of the OCIANA project, led by Dr. Michael Macdonald.
She also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in epigraphy, from restoring damaged texts to building searchable, interactive databases. “These technologies are opening up entirely new ways of understanding history,” she said.
Hashemite University President, Prof. Khaled Al-Hiyari, praised the collaboration between both institutions and called for launching a national initiative to create a unified digital archive of Jordan’s written heritage, ensuring public access for generations to come.
Director of the UJ Center for Documents, Manuscripts, and Bilad Al-Sham Studies, Prof. Nada Al-Rawabdeh, stressed the importance of combining traditional expertise with new digital approaches. She described epigraphy as a field that lies at the crossroads of history, archaeology and linguistics, and one that now benefits greatly from innovations in imaging and artificial intelligence.
Dean of Queen Rania Faculty at the Hashemite University, Dr. Naif Haddad, focused on the ethical and technical dimensions of digital documentation, including intellectual property rights, digital security, and data governance. He also announced plans for an upcoming international conference titled “Digital Heritage in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: From Content to Communication,” as part of the faculty’s 2025–2028 strategy.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged with a series of thought-provoking presentations. Dr. Michael Macdonald of the University of Oxford highlighted creative elements in Safaitic inscriptions, revealing humor, individuality, and personal expression. Dr. Ahmad Al-Jallad from Ohio State University explored “AI and the Future of Epigraphy.” Dr. Sultan Al-Ma’ani reflected on “The Literature of Inscriptions in the Age of AI.” Dr. Ahmad Lash from the Department of Antiquities discussed “Digitizing the Heritage of Wadi Rum.” Dr. Firas Al-Soleihat from UJ shared insights on “Teeth in Archaeology and AI” Dr. Ali Younes Al-Manaseer from the Hashemite University presented on “Digital Documentation of Jordanian Inscriptions.”
The workshop concluded with a strong call to action. Experts and participants urged the launch of a national digital heritage project, the development of accessible and interactive digital tools, the strengthening of partnerships between academic and cultural institutions, and the strategic use of artificial intelligence to preserve Jordan’s collective memory and promote it globally.