Book launch ceremony
Tripoli – Tuesday, January 20, 2026
The Libyan Center for Research and Studies organized a book launch ceremony on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, to mark the publication of:
“Journeys in the Countries Overlooking the Mediterranean (1845–1847)”
by the German explorer Heinrich Barth
Translated by Prof. Dr. Imad Al-Din Ghanem
Prepared, compiled, and edited by Prof. Dr. Nasr Al-Din Al-Arabi
The book, published by the Center in September 2025, spans 608 pages and documents an exploratory journey undertaken by Barth from Tangier, Morocco, to Alexandria in the east, with particular focus on the Libyan coastline. The work holds significant value for the Libyan library in particular and the Arab scholarly library in general, given its rich historical documentation of the region.
The ceremony commenced at 4:45 PM and was moderated by Dr. Fatima Hadid. The President of the Center delivered the opening address, highlighting the importance of the publication and paying tribute to the late translator, Prof. Dr. Imad Al-Din Ghanem, whose numerous translations from German made substantial contributions to Libyan historical scholarship.
Prof. Dr. Nasr Al-Din Al-Arabi then spoke about his role in preparing, compiling, and organizing the manuscript, which he had received in handwritten form from the late translator.
The event also featured a presentation by historian Prof. Dr. Ezzedine Al-Alam titled “A Reading of ‘Across Africa’ by the German Explorer Gerhard Rohlfs,” referencing the work of Gerhard Rohlfs.
The final academic contribution was delivered by Prof. Dr. Inam Sharaf Al-Din under the title “Translation as a Knowledge Responsibility in the Introductions of Dr. Imad Al-Din Ghanem.”
The floor was then opened for discussion. Among the contributors were Prof. Dr. Khaled Aoun, President of University of Tripoli, Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Deek, Dr. Al-Bakhbakhi, and several other scholars whose interventions enriched the ceremony and shed light on various aspects of the book.
The event concluded with a group photograph commemorating the occasion.
