A team of researchers and archaeologists at the Benghazi Antiquities Observatory is undertaking the restoration of a rare collection of historical maps documenting Libya’s landmarks. Some of these maps date back to the 1950s, in an effort to preserve the country’s geographical and historical heritage despite limited governmental support.
According to Reuters, the team has so far managed to restore approximately 75 maps out of a collection of 200, utilizing scarce resources. This work is being carried out against the backdrop of significant challenges facing the antiquities sector due to the political divisions that followed the ousting of the former regime in 2011.
Abdullah Muftah, the acting director of the Benghazi Antiquities Observatory, stated that these maps serve as a fundamental reference for the study of archaeology and Libyan history. He explained that they document buildings and archaeological sites photographed aerially by Americans and Britons during the Italian occupation and its aftermath. Images captured by a Reuters photographer on March 25th show the old and neglected maps stored within the Antiquities Authority building in Benghazi.