Leptis Magna amphitheatre
Oil-rich Libya (or the rather cumbersome Great Socialist
People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya as it is officially known) has had
a tumultuous history and many have wrestled for control of this
fascinating and beautiful land. Tucked between Egypt and Tunisia,
and bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, Libya has seen invasions by
Turks, Vandals, Byzantines, Romans, Arabs and Italians; only
gaining independence in 1951. These various civilisations have left
their mark, particularly evident in the striking Roman and Greek
ruins at Leptis Magna, Cyrene and Sabratha, though Libya remains
quintessentially Arabic - evident in the Medina (old city) of the
capital Tripoli, the nomadic lifestyle of desert-dwelling Bedouin
and Berber tribes, and the language, culture and customs of the
people.
Tripoli, in the northeast, is the country's main port, and is a
bustling city dominated by the splendid Assaraya al-Hamra (Red
Castle), a large palace complex, as well as the walls and gates of
the Medina. Filled with orange groves, grapevines, palms and olive
trees, the lush city is home to several interesting mosques,
museums and historical sites, as well as modern amenities. Its
ideal location on the Mediterranean makes it a popular attraction
for locals and tourists alike. Benghazi is Libya's second largest
city and is chiefly more modern in flavour, having been all but
destroyed during World War II, though one can still enjoy the
lively local souqs (markets), and it acts as a good base from which
to explore the neighbouring Green Mountain area, as well as several
Roman ruin sites along the coast.
Libya is largely an undiscovered jewel, due to sanctions imposed
on the country through its rocky political history, including
participation in several acts of terrorism (including the 1988
bombing of a PanAm flight near Lockerbie in Scotland) and the
support by 'Guide of the Revolution' Colonel Mu'ammar al Qadhafi of
various international terrorist and revolutionary organisations.
Sanctions, however, were lifted in 2003, once the Lockerbie
incident had finally been resolved, and the Libyan government
ceased production of weapons of mass destruction. This has seen a
rise in tourism and an increased interest in the country, with a
number of resorts springing up along its Mediterranean coast.
Although 90 percent of Libya is desert or semi-desert, there are
breathtaking oases to be discovered, ruins to explore, cities to
investigate, beaches to laze on and of course, the hospitality and
friendliness of its people to enjoy.
