Unlocking the Past, Preserving Identity: Challenging Regime Narratives through Open Archives

Contenu

Titre

Unlocking the Past, Preserving Identity: Challenging Regime Narratives through Open Archives

Créateur

Buzakhar, Mazigh Voir tous les contenus avec cette valeur

Buzakhar, Madghis Voir tous les contenus avec cette valeur

Sujet

Archives -- Tripoli Voir tous les contenus avec cette valeur

Résumé

The suppression of historical truths through the control of archival access has been a longstanding tactic employed by different regimes in the region of North Africa, particularly in Jamahiriya (former regime name for Libya), to manipulate public perception and maintain an illusion of national unity. This paper delves into the critical issue of archival withholding, a practice often veiled by claims of national security, which serves to stifle the public’s understanding of significant historical information and events allowing regimes to shape their own and reinforce narratives. This paper will explore the ramifications of such practices on cultural identity preservation, especially for Infusen communities whose heritage is intertwined with oral traditions and collective memories. The lack of access to these vital documents not only hampers historical inquiry but also risks the erosion of cultural heritage, as seen in the case of Tamazight-speaking communities in the Infusen region. The Italian colonial archives, with their extensive documentation of Tamazight dialects, tales, and glossaries from the Infusen Mountains, highlight the importance of archival materials in safeguarding indigenous languages and cultures. This paper explores how to regain control over historical narratives. By advocating for open access to archives and critical examination of existing records, we can challenge the narratives imposed by past regimes. This promotes transparency, fosters cultural preservation, and leads to a more complete and inclusive understanding of history.

Type

Conference

Date

2024-09-12

Couverture spatiale

Messina

présenté lors de

VII Conferenza ASAI: In cerca di appartenenza: comunità e divisioni in Africa Longing for Belonging: Communities and Divides in Africa

Langue

eng

Buzakhar, Mazigh et Buzakhar, Madghis, “Unlocking the Past, Preserving Identity: Challenging Regime Narratives through Open Archives”, 2024-09-12, bibliographie, consulté le 21 décembre 2024, https://ibadica.org/s/bibliographie/item/26281