The fourth Volume of Majaliss comprises 40 works of classical Arabic literature and an audiovisual library with book excerpts, accompanied by a specially developed application that allows reading and listening at the same time. This application simultaneously highlights the text that is being read, which helps users of the Library improve their Arabic language skills and enhance their literacy.

The development of such an application demonstrates the progress made in the field of automatic processing of Arabic scripts but also shows the current limitations that make this field still an active research area.

The Arabic word ‘Majaliss’ means ‘a place of sitting’, used to describe various types of formal legislative assemblies in Islamic countries. It is also a common term used for a meeting, dialogue or exchange. UNESCO’s Digital Library Majaliss offers a modern platform for sharing freely classical works of Arabic literature and provides access through Internet and digital format to the cultural heritage of the Arab world.

The Majaliss project is a result of regional cooperation between experts and academics in Arabic literature, IT researchers and local associations. It is sponsored by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

Everyday the Digital Library Majaliss is enriched with new digitised collections and new technology. UNESCO invites all stakeholders interested in the project, as well as those wishing to use and to test Majaliss in educational programmes, to contact its Office in Rabat.

The Digital Library Majaliss is accessible online on the website of UNESCO’s Rabat Office and offline on CD-ROMs, which can be requested at:

UNESCO Office
35, avenue du 16 novembre
1777 Rabat
Morocco
rabat@unesco.org