Before embarking on the actual transcription, it is advisable to carry out a preliminary examination of the manuscript in its entirety. This is because the characteristics of the manuscript determine the editorial approach to be applied. Particular attention should be paid to details that may influence the editorial result. This includes first of all an examination of the scribe(s) or the writing style. Is Arabic or Armenian script used in the titles and performance instructions? Different forms of scholarly transliteration or transcription are used according to the respective alphabet. Are there any indications in this context that allow the manuscript to be dated?

The physical condition of the manuscript should also be examined. Are there any illegible passages or are parts of the manuscript damaged? If so, it is advisable to find concordances for the relevant passages, which you can refer to in case of doubt.

It is also important to get an overview of the content. Which genres are included? Are they exclusively instrumental pieces or are there also vocal pieces? This also has an effect on the layout of the edition. The notated makâms should also be taken into account, as they require the use of the corresponding key signatures and house styles. In addition, a matching of the composer attributions can help with the classification of the repertoire and, at best, with the dating of the manuscript.

The type of notation found is of particular importance for the editorial process. Is it an early form of notation with implicit rhythmic indications (HNIR) or a more precise form of notation with explicit durations (HNER)? The use of pitch signs should also be examined in this context. In the corpus of manuscripts available so far, different interpretations of the pitch signs can be found. Depending on their form, these may indicate an older pitch system or reflect a transition to the modern understanding of the pitch system of Ottoman art music. This in turn also influences the choice of key signatures and accidentals. In addition, structural signs or previously unknown symbols should also be taken into account.