On September 19, 2026, Tunisia announced the registration of Ibn Khaldun's 'Introduction' in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Palace of Arts, Culture, and Literature in Bardo, attended by intellectuals, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts. The event also marked the sixth edition of the Ibn Khaldun Prize for Human and Social Sciences and the second edition of the Mahmoud Darwish Prize for Poetry.
According to Abdelhamid Arqash, historian and coordinator of the International Committee for the nomination of Ibn Khaldun and his introduction to the Memory of the World Register, the registration is a significant achievement for Tunisia on both national and international levels. Arqash highlighted that four countries, including Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, and Egypt, submitted files to nominate Ibn Khaldun and his works for inclusion in the register.
Ibn Khaldun, a renowned historian and sociologist, wrote his influential book 'The Muqaddimah' in Algeria, where he documented the history of the Arab, Persian, and Berber worlds. Turkey houses the oldest manuscripts of 'The Muqaddimah', while Egypt is where Ibn Khaldun spent part of his life and completed several of his works. The registration of 'The Muqaddimah' in the Memory of the World Register is a testament to the efforts of intellectuals and thinkers from Tunisia and other countries.
The initiative to register Ibn Khaldun in the Memory of the World Register began in 2024 and culminated in the successful inscription of 'The Muqaddimah'. This register aims to preserve documentary heritage of global value and make it accessible to future generations. The registration ceremony celebrated the significance of Ibn Khaldun's work and its impact on modern thought.
The event also recognized the contributions of intellectuals and researchers who worked tirelessly to prepare the nomination file and provide historical documents related to Ibn Khaldun and his intellectual legacy. Their efforts have ensured that Ibn Khaldun's work will be preserved and appreciated for generations to come.
The Ibn Khaldun Prize for Human and Social Sciences and the Mahmoud Darwish Prize for Poetry are prestigious awards that acknowledge outstanding contributions to these fields. The ceremony honored winners of these prizes, fostering a culture of appreciation for intellectual and artistic achievements.
The successful registration of Ibn Khaldun's 'Introduction' in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register underscores Tunisia's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting intellectual legacy. This achievement highlights the significance of Ibn Khaldun's work and its relevance to contemporary society.
Key points
- Tunisia registers Ibn Khaldun's 'Introduction' in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register
- The registration is a result of efforts by intellectuals and thinkers from Tunisia and other countries
- The Memory of the World Register aims to preserve documentary heritage of global value
