History of Al Bayda

Origins and Foundation of the City

The history of settlement at the site of the modern city of Al Bayda is rooted in deep antiquity, yet its current appearance and name are inextricably linked to the events of the 19th century. The city's name, which translates as "The White One," emerged thanks to a snow-white building visible from afar, which became a symbol of the region's revival.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the first settlements in this area existed as early as the ancient era under the name Balagrae, serving as a satellite to ancient Cyrene, the actual founding date of the modern city is considered to be 1843. At this time, the Grand Senussi (Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi) chose the Jebel Akhdar plateau for the construction of his first zawiya—a religious and educational centre. The "Zawiya al-Bayda" ("White Zawiya") mosque, built on the ruins of the old city, gave its name to the entire settlement and became the starting point of its new history.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small religious settlement into a significant centre was driven by a combination of several factors:

• Geography and Climate: Its location in the Jebel Akhdar ("Green Mountains") region provided the city with a Mediterranean climate that is unique for Libya. The abundance of rainfall and fertile soil created an ideal base for settled life and agriculture.
• Religious Influence: Its status as the spiritual capital of the Senussi Order made the city a centre of attraction for pilgrims and students from all over North Africa, which stimulated its growth.
• Strategic Security: The mountainous terrain served as a natural defence, allowing local leaders to maintain relative autonomy and control trade routes between the coast and the interior desert regions.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its existence, Al Bayda developed as a classic university city of the Islamic world. Cultural life concentrated around the study of the Quran, law, and theology, which laid the foundation for the city's future educational institutions. The economy relied on subsistence farming: local residents grew grain crops and fruits, and raised livestock on the rich mountain pastures, supplying food not only to the zawiya itself but also to neighbouring tribes.

Key Dates in the History of Al Bayda

• ~1840: Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi, founder of the Sufi Senussi Order, establishes a religious centre (zawiya) here, which becomes the core of the future city.
• 1911–1931: During the Italian colonization period, the Jebel Akhdar region, including the surroundings of Al Bayda, becomes a centre of resistance led by Omar Al-Mukhtar, who was associated with the Senussi Order.
• 1930s: Italian authorities rename the settlement Beda Littoria and develop it as a small administrative centre.
• 1950s: After Libya gains independence, King Idris I, the grandson of the Senussi Order's founder, initiates a project to transform Al Bayda into the country's new capital.
• 1963: Al Bayda is officially declared the new capital of the Kingdom of Libya, triggering a boom in the construction of government buildings and infrastructure.
• 1969: Following a military coup led by Muammar Gaddafi, the monarchy is overthrown, and the project to move the capital to Al Bayda is cancelled.
• 1970s: Despite losing its capital status, the city retains importance as an educational hub thanks to the Islamic University, later renamed Omar Al-Mukhtar University.
• February 2011: Al Bayda becomes one of the first cities to fall under the control of forces opposing the Gaddafi regime at the beginning of the civil war in Libya.

Development Milestones: From Spiritual Centre to Modern Agglomeration

The development of the city of Al Bayda progressed unevenly, subject to major political and social changes occurring in the region. Each historical era left its unique mark on the layout, economy, and functional purpose of the city.

• Foundation of the "Mother of Zawiyas" (1843)

  The establishment of a religious centre (zawiya) on the site of an ancient settlement became the starting point in the history of the modern city. This event defined Al Bayda's initial status as a spiritual and educational core, uniting local tribes around educational and religious values.

• Italian Urbanisation (1930s)

  During the period when the settlement bore the name Beda Littoria, a European urban planning model was introduced. The appearance of a regular street grid, the first paved roads, a modern hospital, and administrative buildings in the Rationalist style laid the infrastructural framework that is still in use today.

• Royal Capital Status (1950s)

  The decision to locate the government of Libya here launched the most massive urban planning transformations. The city received a new master plan envisaging the creation of wide avenues, parks, and comfortable residential areas for civil servants, which began to turn it into a modern metropolis.

• Construction of the Government Complex (1960s)

  The erection of parliament buildings, ministries, and departments became the culmination of the capital project. These monumental structures not only formed the recognisable architectural appearance of the centre but also provided the city with public spaces and halls unique to the region.

• Opening of the Islamic University (1961)

  The establishment of the university (now Omar Al-Mukhtar University) cemented the city's role as the intellectual capital of the country's east. The influx of students and professors stimulated the development of the service sector, libraries, and cultural life, making higher education one of the city-forming industries.

• Agro-Industrial Reorientation (1970s — 1980s)

  After the loss of capital functions, the economic vector shifted towards agriculture. Thanks to its location in the fertile Jebel Akhdar district, the city became a key logistics and processing hub for agricultural produce (grains, fruits, nuts), supplying food to neighbouring regions.

• Emergence as an Administrative Hub (2000s)

  Consolidating its status as the capital of the largest municipality in the "Green Mountains" contributed to the renewal of urban infrastructure and population growth. The city transformed into the main trade and service centre of the region, attracting investment in private construction and small business.

The architectural appearance of Al Bayda is a unique combination of Italian colonialism and ambitious mid-20th-century modernism. The city is unlike most historical centres in Libya, as its modern structure was largely formed as a result of two key urban planning stages.

Italian Colonial Period (1930s)

In the 1930s, when the city was known as Beda Littoria, the Italian administration laid the foundation for its modern layout. This period is characterised by features of Italian Rationalism—an architectural style that emphasised strict geometry, functionality, and a clear street grid. This heritage can still be traced in the layout of some central districts, where the first administrative buildings were erected and basic infrastructure was created.

Modernist Capital Project (1950s–1960s)

The most significant mark on Al Bayda's architecture was left by the project to move the capital of the Kingdom of Libya here. During this period, numerous buildings were designed and built in the style of Modernism, which dominated world architecture at that time. The main features of this style in Al Bayda include:

• Functionality and Minimalism: Buildings were designed with an emphasis on practicality, using simple geometric forms, flat roofs, and an absence of excessive decoration.
• New Materials: Reinforced concrete, glass, and steel were widely used, allowing for the creation of large open spaces and wide window openings.
• Iconic Landmarks: Striking examples of this period are the government buildings complex, including the former parliament building, as well as the Omar Al-Mukhtar University campus. These structures still form the core of the city and are its calling card.

Modern Development

After the cancellation of the capital status in 1969, massive construction ceased. The city's subsequent development was more chaotic and pragmatic. Residential quarters and commercial buildings, the architecture of which is primarily utilitarian, grew around the modernist centre. Nevertheless, the ambitious and unfinished capital project forever defined the unique urban landscape of Al Bayda, making it a living museum of mid-20th-century architecture.

Prominent Figures Associated with the City

The history of Al Bayda is closely intertwined with the fates of key figures who defined the development not only of the city but of all Libya. From founders of religious movements to modern politicians, these people left an indelible mark on the region's history.

• Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi (1787–1859)

  Founder of the influential Sufi Senussi Order. It was he who, in 1843, founded the first zawiya (religious centre) in this place called Al Bayda ("The White One"), which gave rise to the modern city. His activities turned the region into a spiritual and educational hub, the influence of which spread throughout North Africa.

• King Idris I (1889–1983)

  The first and only king of independent Libya, grandson of Muhammad as-Senussi. It was he who initiated the ambitious project in the 1950s to move the country's capital from Tripoli to Al Bayda. This step led to massive construction and modernisation of the city, laying the foundation for its modern layout and architecture.

• Omar Al-Mukhtar (1858–1931)

  A national hero of Libya, known as the "Lion of the Desert." He was one of the leaders of the resistance against Italian colonisation in the first half of the 20th century. Although he was not born in Al Bayda, his struggle was concentrated in the Jebel Akhdar region, and he was a prominent follower of the Senussi Order, for which this city was the core.

• Muhammad al-Mahdi as-Senussi (1844–1902)

  Son and successor of the founder of the Senussi Order, born in Al Bayda. Under his leadership, the order's influence expanded significantly, covering vast territories of Central and North Africa. He continued his father's work, strengthening the region's status as an important religious and political centre.

• Mustafa Abdul Jalil (born 1952)

  A modern Libyan politician born in Al Bayda. He served as Minister of Justice, but during the events of 2011, he defected to the opposition and led the National Transitional Council, becoming the de facto head of state during the transition period.

• Abdel Fattah Younis (1944–2011)

  A military figure who played a key role in the events of 2011. A native of the Jebel Akhdar region, he held high posts in Muammar Gaddafi's government but was one of the first to defect to the rebels and lead their armed forces. His actions were closely linked to Al Bayda, which became one of the first centres of the uprising.