The National Library of Moldova on September 2 signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Library of Turkey for exchanging important books for the cultural heritage of the two countries and for promoting joint projects, including to digitize documents concerning the cultural inheritance. There was also signed a technical agreement with the Embassy of Turkey, which regulates the exchange of digital copies between institutions, IPN reports.
Alexe Rau, director of the National Libraries of Moldova, said the memorandum envisions a number of directions of cooperation between the two libraries. “A national library means first of all the memory of the nation, conservation and putting to good use of the written cultural heritage. We offered them a digital copy of the book “Description of Moldova”, which was published during the life of Dimitrie Cantemir in Leipzig. They offered us a copy of the digital musical work of Cantemir, which is kept in Istanbul,” he stated.
The sides will also cooperate in organizing cultural and scientific activities. “Turkey is taking part in this year’s Book Fair. We continue to digitize the documents concerning the cultural heritage of the two countries. We will become involved in joint integrating research projects. The accord is valid for a period of three years and will be automatically extended when the projects are completed,” said Alexe Rau.
Zulfi Toman, acting director of the National Library of Turkey, said it is an important experience for both of the libraries to have more sources of information. “This memorandum is a first step towards long-lasting cooperation that will encourage the exchange of copies kept in libraries. The delivery costs will be covered by the sending side,” he stated. Turkey and Moldova pledged to develop joint projects to ensure free and mutual access to collections.
Attending the event, the Ambassador of Turkey Mehmet Selim Kartal noted that this is a start of cultural cooperation. “We have a common history and Dimitrie Cantemir is the symbol of the cultural heritages of Moldova and Turkey. The fact that we started with the work of Dimitrie Cantemir is a big sign,” he said. Turkey helped the National Library of Moldova to digitize the book “Description of Moldova”, which was written in Leipzig in 1771, and transmitted it to the National Library of Turkey.
