WHAT'S LIBYCA-PROJECT ?
Libyca-Project is an innovative initiative spearheaded and developed by the members of the North African History Society (SHNA). At its core, the project focuses on the creation of a virtual keyboard and typeface dedicated to the transcription and composition the Libyco-Berber scripts. Until now, scholars in Libycology lacked modern tools for incorporating Libyco-Berber scripts into their scientific articles or books, often resorting to makeshift solutions using neo-Tifinagh fonts and other forms. Our new tool enables a professional and aesthetically pleasing transcription of Libyco-Berber inscriptions, achieved through the digitalization of the entire known Libyco-Berber character set.
Following this successful outcome, SHNA aims to present the project to UNICODE for the standardization of Libyco-Berber and its digital acceptance on an international scale. Libyca-Project also encompasses various initiatives related to the Libyco-Berber script that predate the creation of SHNA, including the digital map detailing the distribution of Libyco-Berber inscriptions.
The primary goal is to map all Libyco-Berber stelae across North Africa, providing a comparative tool for different script families and enhancing our understanding of their distribution throughout the North African territory and beyond. This ambitious endeavor involves the creation of an interactive and engaging database of discovered Libyco-Berber inscriptions. The mapping of Libyco-Berber discoveries allows for the comprehensive cataloging of stelae, aiding in their identification and marking a significant step toward the utilization of modern digital tools such as algorithms and artificial intelligence. These tools will contribute to a deeper comprehension of the origins and distribution of the Libyco-Berber script. Libyca-Project thus stands at the forefront of advancing Libycology into the digital age.