The international scientific conference on the heritage of Ghadames commenced on the evening of Friday, March 10, 2023, at the theater of Abdul Rahman Al-Bousiri Al-Akhdari Secondary School in the city of Ghadames. This is the third session of the conference, titled "Desert Architecture in the Cities of North and West Africa (Libya-Tunisia-Mali-Niger-Mauritania-Morocco-Nigeria-Algeria)."
The conference is organized by the Ghadames Center for Research, Studies, and Heritage Documentation in collaboration with Kidami Company for Artistic Production and Technical and Media Services, during the period from March 9 to 11, 2023, under the slogan “Our Architecture.. Our Identity. Our Civilization,” sponsored by Nalut University and the Ghadames City Development and Improvement Authority.
A distinguished group of professors, experts, and specialists from various scientific centers and universities in Libya, Arab, African, and European countries, including Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, and Italy, participated in the conference with (32) research papers, of which (5) were presented through remote communication. The opening ceremony also included some documentary presentations contributed by the researchers.
The opening of the conference was attended by the President of Nalut University, Dr. Mohamed Masoud Qnan, the Director of the Ghadames Center for Research, Studies, and Heritage Documentation, Mr. Mukhtar Al-Sanousi Houdah, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Arts in Ghadames, the Deputy Dean of the Ghadames Municipal Council, the Director of the Ghadames City Development and Improvement Authority, a select group of professors and researchers, and a gathering of interested individuals from various Libyan and Arab universities, as well as the elders and dignitaries of the city of Ghadames.
Coinciding with the 1400th anniversary of the establishment of the ancient mosque in the old city of Ghadames (year 44 AH), a information and data board about the history of the mosque was unveiled yesterday, Thursday, March 9, 2023. This event highlighted the most important historical milestones in the establishment of the mosque and presented the fourth part of the Ghadames landmarks information booklet, which focuses on the ancient mosque.
The conference aims to:
1- Introducing the features, styles, and nature of architecture in the Sahara Desert and creating a collaborative relationship with universities and research centers specialized in the field of architecture.
2- Intensifying efforts and capabilities and building bridges of cooperation between scientific institutions, as well as utilizing and benefiting from human and material expertise to achieve the goals and objectives behind organizing these forums.
3- Working on establishing a sustainable future vision for the development of architecture and urban planning fields.
4- Familiarizing oneself with everything new in the field of architecture and urban planning at both local and international levels.
Conference Topics:
Axis One: The City of Ghadames, Architecture, Urban Planning.
Axis Two: Desert Architecture Between the Old and the Modern.
Axis Three: Architecture and Urban Development in Desert Cities of North and West Africa.
Axis Four: Modern Theories and Systems of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Axis Five: Sustainability in Desert Communities.
Axis Six: Building Materials Between the Old and the Modern.
Axis Seven: Culture and Art in Desert Architecture.
It is mentioned that a number of programs and activities will be held on the sidelines of the conference, including:
1- Open workshops.
2- Screenings of documentaries and educational films.
3- Display of handmade models of buildings and important plans.
4- Traditional and heritage exhibitions and the open bazaar.
5- Organizing a visit for the participants to the archaeological and tourist sites in the city of Ghadames