The roots of Jewish presence in Libya reach back to antiquity: the earliest evidence dates to at least the 3rd century BCE. Over the centuries, Jewish communities in the region experienced the succession of different empires and rulers — from Rome to Byzantium, from the Arab world to Spanish rule — until the establishment of Ottoman rule in 1551. This was followed by the Italian colonial occupation, the Second World War, and, finally, Libyan independence in 1951. Between 1948 and 1952, most Libyan Jews emigrated to Israel, while only a minority of approximately 6,000 remained in Libya, until the near disappearance of Jewish presence from the country in 1970.

This map tells the story of twentieth-century Jewish Tripoli through excerpts from interviews and other documents preserved in the CDEC archive. It traces the places of Jewish life and the memories associated with them, with particular attention to the period of Italian colonial rule and the years following independence. This map offers a geography of memory: the testimonies of different generations tell the story of Jewish Tripoli through religious rituals, social life, education, work, music, celebrations, neighborhood life, and family life.

“Remembering Jewish Tripoli” is the result of an ongoing research project and is continuously updated as new data and sources are acquired. To submit information or suggestions, please write to trame@cdec.it.