Islamic monuments in Libya and their role in strengthening cultural identity

Abstract

Islamic monuments in Libya are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Islamic nation, representing a living testament to its urban and intellectual development throughout the ages. However, this heritage today faces numerous challenges related to a lack of awareness of its cultural and religious value and a decline in interest in it in the fields of research and education. Hence, the research problem arises in an attempt to uncover the role played by Islamic monuments in Libya in strengthening Islamic identity and national belonging, and highlighting their cultural and educational dimensions in light of contemporary changes. The research aims to study a group of Islamic architectural models in Libya, analyze their artistic and architectural characteristics, and clarify their intellectual and religious connotations, with a focus on how they embody the concepts of Islamic jurisprudence in architecture and urban planning. It also seeks to propose practical ways to integrate this heritage into educational curricula to deepen generations' awareness of its cultural and religious values. The study relies on a descriptive, analytical, comparative approach, based on architectural analysis supported by photographs and engineering plans. The results concluded that Islamic architecture in Libya is not merely a physical manifestation, but rather an integrated intellectual system that reflects the Islamic principles of beauty, balance, and function, and contributes effectively to consolidating Islamic identity and strengthening cultural belonging among members of society.