Dorëshkrimi

Dorëshkrimi is the Albanian word for manuscript. It refers to any document that has been written by hand rather than typed or printed. Historically, manuscripts were the primary means of recording and disseminating information before the invention of the printing press. They encompass a wide range of materials, including religious texts, literary works, historical records, legal documents, and personal letters.

The creation of dorëshkrimi was often a laborious process. Scribes, monks, and scholars would meticulously copy texts onto parchment, vellum, or paper. The quality of the writing, the materials used, and the presence of illuminations or decorations could vary greatly depending on the time period, the origin of the manuscript, and the intended purpose. Many ancient and medieval manuscripts are invaluable historical artifacts, offering insights into the language, culture, beliefs, and daily lives of past societies.

In modern usage, the term dorëshkrimi can also refer to a handwritten draft of a work before it is finalized for publication, such as a novel, poem, or academic paper. Libraries and archives worldwide hold vast collections of historical dorëshkrimi, which are preserved and studied by researchers. The study of manuscripts, known as paleography, involves deciphering their content, dating them, and understanding their historical context.