Degradation of Iron Gall Inks and Verdigris in Islamic Manuscripts: Mechanisms, Preservation, and Conservation Strategies

This research project addresses the urgent need to understand and mitigate the degradation of Iron Gall ink and Verdigris pigments in Islamic manuscripts—priceless cultural artifacts that embody centuries of heritage in Qatar and the Islamic world. While European manuscripts have been extensively studied, Islamic manuscripts remain underexplored despite key differences in paper composition and preparation methods. This project integrates historical manuscript studies with experimental research to investigate the chemical, physical, and mechanical transformations of metallic inks and pigments over time. Using accelerated aging simulations, the study replicates Islamic manuscripts with traditional ink and pigment recipes on historically accurate paper blends. High-resolution analytical techniques, including FTIR, micro-Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, XPS, AFM, and mechanical testing, will be employed to assess degradation profiles. Based on these findings, the project evaluates conservation treatments and develops innovative stabilization methods tailored to Islamic manuscripts. This research not only informs preservation strategies for institutions like the Qatar National Library but also establishes globally applicable guidelines. By advancing conservation science, it strengthens Qatar’s role as a regional leader in cultural heritage preservation, ensuring these manuscripts—and their knowledge—remain accessible for future generations.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)