THE UNIVE,RSITY OF BENGHAZI FA CUL TY OF ARTS THE FIRST GEOGRAPHICAL CONFERENCE ( THE GEOGRAPHY OF LIBYA )

الملخص

In 1973 our colleague Dr. Mansour el-Kikhia, the former  Dean of the Faculty of Arts proposed that a Conference on the  Geography of Libya be organised. The time was ripe for his  proposal. The conference aimed at studying the several aspects  of the Geography of Libya through field-research. All these  studies will he published in a special volume to facilitate their  discussion and maximise their benefits.  

It was felt that a scientific conference would provide a  basis for, and a stimulus to further research. It is to he  hoped that the students of Geography and graduates will he  inspired to take the lead in this research.  

Letters were sent out to as many persons known to have  an interest in the Geography of Libya, inquiring as to their  interest in participating in a con£ erence to be held in March  1975. The response to this initial inquiry was encouraging.  The University covered all expenses regarding accommodation  and transportation during the field-work and during stay to  attend the conference, as well as the round-trip travelling  expenses.  

Geographers of 8 nationalities came to Benghazi to present  their contributions. I should like to take this opportunity, to  thank the 29 authors who presented the papers, for their effort,  which made the conference succeed so well in its stated purpose.  

The meetings were held in an Auditorium of the Faculty  of Arts, Benghazi on March 15 to 25, 1975. Soci'al functions  sponsored by the Minister of Education and two field trips to  the Kufra Oases and Jahal al-Akhdar rounded out the program.