On September 19, 2026, historian Abdelhamid Larguèche, coordinator of the international candidacy, announced that Ibn Khaldoun's 'Muqaddima' has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Memory Register. This announcement was made at the Bardo during the presentation of the Ibn Khaldoun Prize for Human and Social Sciences. The 'Muqaddima' is a significant work, and its inscription is a notable recognition of Tunisia's cultural heritage.
The dossier for the 'Muqaddima' inscription involves a collaborative effort between Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, and Egypt, focusing on the manuscripts and documentary heritage of Ibn Khaldoun. This initiative was strongly structured and publicized as part of an international candidacy starting from 2024. The involvement of multiple countries highlights the importance of this work in the region's cultural and intellectual history.
While Larguèche's announcement is significant, it is essential to note that, as of September 20, 2026, UNESCO has not officially confirmed the inscription on its World Memory Register. A primary confirmation from UNESCO is still pending. This cautious approach is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information, as no official statement or decision has been published by UNESCO.
It is worth mentioning that a manuscript of 'Kitab al-Ibar', a work of which 'Muqaddima' is the first volume, has been inscribed on the World Memory Register since 2011 under Morocco. However, this prior inscription is distinct from the current multinational dossier announced for 'Muqaddima'. This distinction underscores the unique nature of each cultural heritage item.
The 'Muqaddima' by Ibn Khaldoun is a foundational work in the fields of historiography and sociology. Its recognition on the World Memory Register would not only honor Ibn Khaldoun's contributions but also acknowledge the cultural and intellectual legacy of the region. This inscription would have significant implications for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
The announcement of 'Muqaddima's' inscription is a testament to the efforts of the international community in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of collaborative initiatives in recognizing and protecting the world's cultural and intellectual legacy. The involvement of multiple countries in this initiative demonstrates the shared value placed on this work.
In conclusion, while the inscription of 'Muqaddima' on UNESCO's World Memory Register has been announced, it is essential to await official confirmation from UNESCO. Nevertheless, this development underscores the significance of Ibn Khaldoun's work and the collaborative efforts of Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, and Egypt in preserving cultural heritage.
Key points
- The 'Muqaddima' by Ibn Khaldoun has been announced for inscription on UNESCO's World Memory Register, pending official confirmation.
- The dossier involves a collaborative effort between Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, and Egypt, focusing on the manuscripts and documentary heritage of Ibn Khaldoun.
- A manuscript of 'Kitab al-Ibar', a work of which 'Muqaddima' is the first volume, has been inscribed on the World Memory Register since 2011 under Morocco.
