Libyan Trade Centers and Their Importance in Spreading Arab-Islamic Culture in Africa During the 19th Century

Abstract:
During the 19th century, the province of Tripoli (Tripolitania) held a distinguished position as a connecting link between the north, south, west, and east, as well as between Europe and the lands beyond the Sahara. The German traveler G. Rotifs stated that whoever wishes to control Sudan and Chad must first seize Tripoli, and he was right in saying so because Tripoli represents the northern gateway to the African continent. Rotifs also visited most of the trade cities located in the desert from the east to the west of the country.

Due to the importance of this subject, this article aims to address several questions:

1. The role played by Libya’s geographical location in contributing to the spread of Islamic culture.
2. The most important trade centers that played a role in cultural dissemination.
3. The main trade routes that contributed to this spread.
4. The key connections linking these centers with African trade hubs.