To mark International Museum Day, Almanassa held an exclusive interview with Mr. Ismail Dakhil, Head of the Museums Department at the Cyrene Antiquities Authority. The conversation centered on the vital role museums play in preserving Libyan cultural heritage and protecting historical memory, alongside their responsibility in transmitting this rich cultural identity to future generations.
Mr.Dakhil addressed the current state of museums across Libya and the primary obstacles impeding the antiquities sector. He emphasized the necessity of providing full support to historical heritage, given its status as a foundational pillar in shaping national identity and the country’s collective human memory.
The Status and Significance of the Cyrene Antiquities Authority
Museums and sites managed by the Cyrene Antiquities Authority hold exceptional value on both the cultural and tourism maps, owing to the unique historical standing of Cyrene city, which boasts monuments testifying to the Greek and Roman eras. In this context, Dakhil stated that efforts remain ongoing and intensive to protect these facilities and sites, despite all obstacles related to scarce resources, restoration processes, and modern development requirements.
Museums as Living Witnesses to Human Civilizations
During the interview, Ismail Dakhil stressed that museums embody the living record and intellectual repository of successive civilizations, explaining that safeguarding antiquities serves as the frontline defense for Libya’s historical and cultural identity. He also pointed out that the true mission of museums extends far beyond merely displaying artifacts, encompassing crucial educational and awareness-raising dimensions that connect new generations with their roots and reinforce the value of human heritage.