Migration of Persian Manuscripts: Examining the Dispersal and non-Identical Indexing of Muraqqaʿ-e Gulshan Folios

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author

Department of History and Cultural Studies, Free University of Berlin, Germany

Abstract
The Muraqqaʿ-e Gulshan is a historically significant Persian album of miniature paintings, calligraphy, and engravings, whose fragments are now dispersed across institutions worldwide. While earlier research has examined its artwork and historical significance, no substantial attempt has been made to apply network analysis to trace the interconnectedness of its scattered folios. This article explores the extent and structure of this dispersal through an analysis of catalog records, provenance data, and acquisition histories. It also considers the access challenges faced by Persian-speaking scholars and the role of digitization in facilitating more equitable scholarly exchange. This research employs Graph-Based Network Analysis and the Linked Open Data paradigm to trace the dispersal of folios and quantify cataloging variability that may hinder comparative manuscript research. It aims to identify gaps in accessibility and metadata organization. The results will contribute to manuscript studies by demonstrating the utility of computational approaches in provenance research and user-directed digitization initiatives, addressing shortcomings in current scholarship and offering a comprehensive model for studying the migration of Muraqqaʿ-e Gulshan folios among global collections.

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