Written by Amel Bensalim (2024)

INtroduction

The Libyan Center For Archives and Historical Studies (or Markaz, as it tends to be known), began as a repository of records related to Libyan anti-colonial struggle. That is where it got its original name, “Markaz Jihad al-Libiyyin li-l-Dirasa al-Tarikhiyya.” Its contents and scope have since expanded to include records of Libya in the Ottoman period and earlier, as well as post-colonial material. Between the 1980s-2000s, the Markaz's manuscript department began a program of tracking private collections of pre-modern materials, many of which they managed to obtain permission to scan. Along with primary source material, they house a decent collection of reference works, books, and magazines as well as a public study space.

The Markaz is open most days from 9am to 4pm, though you should plan to arrive early and wrap up by 2pm as there are less staff available after that time.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

The Markaz is located in Tripoli, on the corner of Munaydar and al-Baydha Street. It's in a central location, with parking lining the street in front of the gates, and along other adjacent streets. Google Maps will be able to give you directions, and taxi drivers will likely know how to get there. There is no public transportation that leads to the Markaz.

GETTING IN

The Markaz is open to the public. If you are interested in medieval material, ask the front desk. They will direct you to the third floor, where you can speak to the relevant staff members and ask for a catalog or access to the reading room. Speaking Arabic will likely be necessary. If you want to use the library reading room on the first floor, you have to keep your belongings in a locker. Books can't be taken out of the library.

Finding your material

As of now, there is no online catalog. You have to go to the Markaz in person and request a physical catalog. Among them, there is a four volume catalog by Dr. Ibrahim al-Sharif, head of the manuscript department. Find your material in the catalogs and take photos of the entire entries, not just the shelfmarks. Some of the material is physically available on site, but most is stored as scans or images on computers or hard drives. Unfortunately, their microfilm material is currently inaccessible as they have a shortage of microfilm readers.

Ordering your material

Many things at the Markaz are still not formalized, including the process of ordering materials. For pre-modern material, you will need a letter from your supervisor explaining your research interests and listing the manuscripts you want to see, although that is not always required. If a manuscript has already been edited by local researchers, explain that you are not editing it but just reading/viewing it.

Ordering scans

The staff at the Markaz is generally very open to providing scans and allowing photographs. Some manuscripts have already been photographed, so make sure you have a CD or USB that they can transfer images to. There are computer supply stores nearby on Mizran Street where you can buy USB sticks.

Food and well-being

There are not many cafes or restaurants in the immediate vicinity, but the Markaz is a short 10 minute walk or 5 minute drive from Mizran Street, which has lots of shops and places to eat or grab coffee.

Additional remarks

Note that since the Markaz has suffered the consequences of war in the last eight or so years, facilities such as scanners and microfilm viewers may not be available or up-to-date.