Скачать или смотреть Centuries-old Fatimid palace in Libya neglected

(17 Jan 2020) LEAD IN:
One of Libya's most important historical monuments is in a precarious condition because of neglect.
Archaeologists are calling for the government's support to restore an ancient Fatimid palace in the city of Ajbadiya.

STORY-LINE:
Where a centuries-old Fatimid palace once was, only the remains still stand today in the Libyan city of Ajdabiya, west of Benghazi.
The ancient monument has braved more than 1,000 years and is considered an important Islamic antiquity in Libya.
But now, local historians are saying it is in danger because of neglect.
"The Fatimid palace needs a lot of care. Whether from the Antiquities Authority or the municipality council, it needs to be cleaned up and taken care of," says history researcher Saad al-Shtrah.
Locals in Ajdabiya consider the palace of great value, not just for Libya but for all of North Africa.
According to al-Shtrah, the palace was ordered built by Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, the fourth Fatimid caliph, while on his way to Egypt.
The people of Ajdabiya believe that their city was the starting point of the Fatimid campaign that led to the conquest of Egypt.
The history researcher says, "from here the campaigns were launched to conquer Egypt. Therefore, there is the saying, 'without Ajdabiya there would have been no Cairo'".
The ancient building was damaged in 2001, according to al-Shtrah, who believes that there is a rampant lack of awareness on the "value and importance of antiquities" in Libya.
But as one of the most important landmarks of the city, reminders of its importance are abundant in Ajdabiya where it is routinely used in emblems.
The Fatimid palace is the "symbol for a number of institutions" in the city including its municipality council, says Director of Ajdabiya's archaeology office Bashir al-Farjani.
It "reflects the identity of the city of Ajdabiya", he adds.
Prior to the political upheaval in 2011, the palace was a destination for tourists and researchers from around the world, according to al-Farjani.
Now, archaeologists and researchers are calling on authorities to step in and save what is left of the historical jewel.

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...