Tivaouane: An International Islamic Book and Manuscript Fair on the sidelines of Mawlid

To mark Mawlid 2026, Tivaouane is preparing to host a major new cultural and scientific event. From August 20 to 25, the religious city will host the first edition of the Tivaouane International Islamic Book and Manuscript Fair (SILMI T 2026), organized alongside the Bourda and Mawlid celebrations.

Organized by the Zawiya Tijaniyya Cell, in collaboration with COSKAS, AJANA, SIRAJ, CRAC, and the Tivaouane Project, this event is under the spiritual authority of the General Caliph of the Tijaniyya, Serigne Babacar Sy Mansour, and under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Senegal. The Kingdom of Morocco has been chosen as the guest country of honor.

The official opening is scheduled for Thursday, August 20th at 10 a.m. in Tivaouane.

Preserving manuscripts in the digital age

For this first edition, the organizers chose to place the reflections under the theme: "Manuscript heritage and spiritual legacy: between human intelligence and the transmission of Islamic knowledge in the digital age".

Through this theme, SILMI T 2026 aims to foster discussion on the challenges related to the preservation, digitization, and transmission of Islamic manuscript heritage. This includes considering how digital technologies can contribute to preserving ancient documents while facilitating access for new generations.

For five days, ulema, researchers, academics, cultural and academic institutions, digital and conservation specialists, publishers, bibliophiles and cultural players are expected in Tivaouane.

Rare manuscripts, calligraphy, and artificial intelligence

The program includes a range of activities designed to foster dialogue between traditional knowledge and technological innovation. These include international conferences, scientific panels, calligraphy and digitization workshops, and exhibitions of rare manuscripts.

Innovation will also play a significant role, with a hackathon dedicated to artificial intelligence and heritage. An international book market will round out the program.

The intellectual heritage of Tivaouane will also be a central focus of the discussions. A scientific panel will be dedicated to the Diwan of Seydi El Hadj Malick Sy, a major figure of the Tijaniyya order in Senegal.

A tribute will also be paid to Serigne Samba Diagne, in recognition of his commitment to writing, calligraphy and the dissemination of the works of Muslim scholars.

Morocco, a bridge between two heritages

Morocco's participation as the guest country of honor gives the Salon a special cultural and diplomatic dimension.

Moroccan institutions, religious scholars, and experts are expected in Tivaouane to participate in the various meetings. The organizers hope to strengthen exchanges between Senegal and the Kingdom of Morocco in the fields of heritage, research, culture, and Islamic knowledge.

This presence should also promote the sharing of experiences around the conservation and enhancement of ancient manuscripts.

Tivaouane wants to establish itself as a hub for Islamic heritage

Beyond its first edition, SILMI T 2026 has a broader ambition: to permanently establish Tivaouane in international networks dedicated to books and Islamic written heritage.

The organizers intend in particular to promote African manuscript heritage, develop a cultural economy around books, encourage young people to use digital tools to transmit knowledge and strengthen the intellectual influence of the religious city.

Through SILMI T 2026, Tivaouane wants to create a dialogue between tradition and modernity, by putting contemporary technologies at the service of the conservation and transmission of an intellectual and spiritual heritage built up over the centuries.

The Salon thus presents itself as a meeting at the crossroads of culture, science and spirituality, with a clearly stated ambition: to preserve Islamic manuscript memory, to enhance it and to transmit it to future generations in the digital age.