QURANICUS
QURANICUS-PDR: Execution Plan & HR Structure
Pakistan Digital Repository of Qur'anic Manuscripts
The QURANICUS–PDR (Pakistan Digital Repository of Qur'anic Manuscripts) project aims to preserve, authenticate, digitize, and globally share the priceless Qur'anic manuscript heritage of Pakistan. The following document outlines the detailed execution plan, module-wise activities, staff structure, and an optimized budget framework tailored for a sustainable launch.
PRE-PHASE: Technical Setup & Scholarly Trainings
Duration: 6 Months (Mid 2025 – Early 2026)
Purpose: To ensure the success and scholarly integrity of the QURANICUS–PDR project, a comprehensive pre-execution phase will be conducted to build technical capacity, research expertise, and digital literacy among the project team. This phase is critical in aligning Pakistan's manuscript preservation efforts with international academic standards.
Workshop & Training Components
1. Introduction to Manuscriptology & Paleography
- Study of manuscript structures, binding styles, and material composition
- Recognition and classification of scripts
- Principles of paleographic comparison and historical context
2. Metadata Standards & TEI/XML Encoding
- Training on metadata structure design using Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) standards
- Manual and automated tagging of Qur'anic text features
- Consistency in metadata across different manuscript types
3. Unicode & Orthographic Alignment
- Mapping variant orthographies to Unicode-compliant character sets
- Special handling of orthographic anomalies in ancient folios
4. Digitization & Preservation Technologies
- Technical handling of scanners, DSLR cameras, and lighting kits
- Workflow of digitization from imaging to post-processing
- Basics of digital preservation ethics and document integrity
5. Oxygen XML & IIIF Tools Training
- Hands-on use of Oxygen XML Editor for metadata entry
- Practical training in IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework) for creating sharable digital manuscripts
- Integration with tools such as Mirador and Omeka-S
6. Ethical Handling & Conservation of Qur'anic Manuscripts
- Training in respectful handling of sacred texts
- Guidance on climate control, storage, and transportation
- Preventive conservation practices and digitization without damage
International & Institutional Coordination
Lead Partners: Corpus Coranicum & irankoran projects, based in Germany
- Providing methodological guidance, paleographic references, and Unicode support
- Facilitating joint workshops (onsite/virtual) on script classification and comparative orthography
Project Modules
MODULE 1: DATABASE DEVELOPMENT
Timeline: Year 1–2 (2026-2027)
Focus: Create a centralized, searchable digital archive
Activities:
- Survey of national manuscripts
- Metadata entry (TEI/XML)
- Design of database structure (with search & filter)
- Hosting of data on secure server with backup
Expected Outcome:
Pakistan's first Qur'anic Manuscript Metadata Archive
MODULE 2: ANALYSIS & RESEARCH
Timeline: Year 2–4 (2026-2029)
Focus: Scholarly validation of manuscripts
Activities:
- Paleographic examination (Kufic, Naskh, etc.)
- Orthographic comparison and mapping
- Carbon Dating (C14) of selected manuscripts
- Unicode standard alignment
Expected Outcome:
Script classification, authentication, variant documentation
MODULE 3: DIGITIZATION & GLOBAL ACCESS
Timeline: Year 3–7 (2026-2032)
Focus: Digitally preserve and share manuscripts globally
Activities:
- High-resolution scanning & imaging
- Post-processing, editing, formatting
- Development of IIIF-compliant digital platform
- Integration with Corpus Coranicum and academic portals
- Publications, online exhibitions, user guides
Expected Outcome:
Pakistan's Qur'anic Manuscripts available globally in scholarly standard formats
Optimized HR Structure & Salaries
The staffing plan below reflects a lean operational model, suitable for early-phase sustainability. It balances expertise with a reduced budget and excludes two non-essential administrative positions (Technical Director and Admin Officer).
| Position | Qualification | Monthly Salary (PKR) | Contract Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Director | PhD (Islamic Studies/Management) | 150,000 | 3 years (renewable) |
| Project Coordinator | MA/MS + Project Exp | 80,000 | 1 year |
| Sr. Researcher | PhD or MPhil (Islamic Studies, Archeology, codicology) | 100,000 | 2 years |
| Jr. Researcher | MA/MPhil Student | 50,000 | 6–12 months |
| Research Intern | Bachelor's Student (Islamic/Arabic) | 20,000 | 6 months |
| Cameraman | Diploma or BA + Portfolio | 50,000 | Project-based |
| Editor | Adobe/DaVinci Experience | 60,000 | 1 year |
| Digitization Technician | IT Diploma or Equivalent | 70,000 | 1–2 years |
| Lab Liaison Officer | Science Graduate | 60,000 | Phase-based |
| Web Developer (IIIF) | BS Computer Science | 90,000 | 2 years |
| Server Admin | BS IT + Hosting Exp | 60,000 | 2 years |