Al-Falaj is a directory, not an archive. It does not host or reproduce archival material. Its purpose is to tell you what exists, where it is held, and how to reach it. Think of it as a map to scattered collections — a starting point for research, not the destination.
Each record in the directory points to an external institution, collection, or digital repository. The depth of access varies considerably from one source to the next.
Every record in the directory is marked with one of three access levels. These reflect the current state of access as best as we can determine it, but conditions change — always verify directly with the institution before planning a visit or submitting a request.
The material is digitised and freely accessible online. The link in the directory will take you to the digital collection, catalogue, or search interface where you can browse and view the holdings directly. Examples include the Qatar Digital Library, Leiden University Digital Collections, and the Library of Congress digital archives.
Some material may be available online, but the collection is not fully digitised. The link may take you to the institution's main page or collections portal rather than directly to the relevant holdings. You may need to navigate to the collections or search tab on the website and search for specific terms (e.g. "Arabia", "Hajj", "Gulf", a photographer's name). In some cases, you may need to contact the institution directly to enquire about specific items.
The material is held on-site and requires a visit to access. The link will take you to the institution's website, where you can find visitor information, opening hours, and contact details. Some institutions require advance appointment or a letter of introduction from an academic institution. Plan ahead.
Not every link in the directory is a direct path to archival material. In practice, working with these sources often involves several steps.
For institutions marked "open", the link will usually take you to a searchable digital interface. Use specific terms — a photographer's name, a location, a date range — rather than broad queries. Many of these collections are large, and browsing without a clear search term can be unproductive.
For institutions marked "partial", the link typically goes to the institution's home page or its collections overview. From there, look for a "collections", "search", or "catalogue" section. If the website does not surface what you need, it does not necessarily mean the material is not there — it may simply not be digitised or indexed online. A direct email to the institution's archivist or librarian is often the most effective next step.
For institutions marked "physical", the link is to the institution's general website. Use it to find contact information, plan a visit, or identify the correct department for your enquiry.
A note on institutional websites: Archival institutions frequently redesign their websites, restructure their URLs, or migrate their digital collections. If a link in the directory no longer works, try searching the institution's name directly. If you find a corrected link, please consider contributing the update.
When contacting an institution, be specific about what you are looking for. Mention the photographer's name, the approximate date range, and the region. Archivists are more likely to assist when they can identify the relevant collection quickly.
Many institutions have separate reading rooms or special collections departments that handle archival material. The general library website may not reflect what the special collections hold. If in doubt, ask.
Some collections listed in this directory are under-catalogued or partially processed. Material may exist that has not yet been described in a finding aid. If your initial search returns nothing, that is not always a definitive answer.
If you are based outside Europe or North America, be aware that some institutions may have restrictions on international lending or remote access. Digital reproduction services vary widely in cost and turnaround time.
Al-Falaj is an ongoing project. The current directory reflects what has been identified and verified so far. We are actively working to improve the experience for researchers.
If you have expertise, institutional connections, or archival knowledge that could contribute to this work, we would welcome your involvement. See the contribute page for how to get in touch.