History of Benghazi

The history of Benghazi, one of Libya's key cities, spans more than two and a half millennia. Its past is a kaleidoscope of eras and cultures, ranging from ancient Greek colonists to the present day.

Foundation and Early Names

The city was founded by ancient Greeks around 525 BC and was originally named Euesperides (or Hesperides). It was part of the Pentapolis — a union of five Greek cities in the historical region of Cyrenaica. In the 3rd century BC, during the reign of the Egyptian Ptolemaic dynasty, the city was rebuilt and renamed Berenice in honour of Berenice II, the wife of Pharaoh Ptolemy III. The modern name "Benghazi" appeared much later, around the 15th century, and according to tradition, is linked to the name of the righteous benefactor Sidi Ghazi (Ibn Ghazi), around whose tomb the city grew.

Key Development Factors

• Geographical Location: Its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast in the Gulf of Sidra has made it a vital port throughout its history.
• Trade: Its status as a port city was the foundation of its economy during the Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Italian periods. In the Ottoman era, Benghazi became a crucial hub on trade routes connecting the African interior with the Mediterranean.
• Shifts in Power: Control over the city passed successively from the Greeks to the Ptolemies, then to the Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians. Each of these civilisations left its mark on the culture and appearance of Benghazi.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Hellenistic period, Euesperides-Berenice flourished as an important commercial centre of Cyrenaica. Following the Roman conquest, the city retained its significance for several centuries; however, after the Arab conquest in the 7th century, it fell into decline and turned into a small settlement for a long time. A new phase of development began in the Ottoman period when Benghazi once again became a significant trading post. In the early 20th century, under Italian rule, the city was significantly rebuilt and modernised.

Key Milestones in the History of Benghazi

The history of Benghazi is a chronicle of rises and falls, shifts in civilisations and cultures, all of which have left their mark on the appearance of this important Mediterranean city.

Antiquity and the Middle Ages

• Circa 525 BC — Greek colonists found the city of Euesperides (Hesperides), which becomes part of the ancient Pentapolis of Cyrenaica.
• 3rd Century BC — The city comes under the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty and receives a new name — Berenice, in honour of the Egyptian queen.
• Circa 74 BC — Berenice becomes part of the Roman Empire, retaining its importance as a vital port and provincial centre.
• 642–643 AD — With the arrival of the Arabs, the city gradually falls into decline and turns into a small settlement for several centuries.
• 15th Century — The settlement is revived and receives the modern name Benghazi, presumably in honour of the local righteous man Sidi Ghazi.

Modern and Contemporary History

• 1578 — Benghazi becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, gradually reclaiming its role as a significant trading port in the region.
• October 1911 — During the Italo-Turkish War, the city is occupied by Italian troops and becomes the administrative centre of the Italian colony.
• 1930s — During the period of Italian rule, the city is actively rebuilt and modernised, with new buildings and infrastructure appearing.
• 1941–1942 — During World War II, Benghazi becomes the arena of fierce battles and changes hands several times, suffering significant destruction.
• 20 November 1942 — The city finally comes under the control of British troops and remains under their administration until Libya gains independence.
• 24 December 1951 — The independence of the Kingdom of Libya is proclaimed in Benghazi, and the city becomes one of its two capitals alongside Tripoli.
• 1969 — Following the coup d'état, Benghazi loses its capital functions, which are fully transferred to Tripoli.

Major Milestones in Benghazi's Development

The history of Benghazi is a journey from an ancient polis to one of the key centres of modern Libya. The city has experienced several eras of prosperity, each leaving its mark on its economy, culture, and architectural landscape.

• Antique Foundation (from 6th Century BC). Founded by the Greeks as Euesperides and later renamed Berenice, the city became an important agricultural and trade centre of Cyrenaica from the very beginning. Its strategic position on the Mediterranean coast defined its destiny as a port for millennia to come.
• Revival in the Ottoman Period (from 16th Century). After centuries of decline, the city revived under the name Benghazi and once again became a significant port within the Ottoman Empire. During this period, it transformed into a vital hub for trade between the African interior and the Mediterranean, although it remained a centre for the slave trade until the late 19th century.
• Italian Modernisation (1911–1942). In the early 20th century, after the Italian occupation, Benghazi underwent massive reconstruction. New administrative buildings and European-style residential quarters were built, the port was modernised, and basic infrastructure, including roads and an airport, was created. This period radically changed the appearance of the city centre.
• Capital Status (1951–1969). After the proclamation of independence of the Kingdom of Libya on 24 December 1951, Benghazi became one of the country's two capitals alongside Tripoli. This status fostered its development as a political and cultural centre: important government institutions were located here, and Libya's first university was founded in 1955.
• Oil Boom (from 1960s). The discovery of large oil reserves in Libya gave a powerful boost to Benghazi's economy. The city became a key economic hub and port for the export of oil and petroleum products, leading to rapid population growth and further development of urban infrastructure.

The architectural landscape of Benghazi is a layering of several key historical eras, each leaving its unique mark. From ancient ruins to Ottoman quarters and grand Italian structures, the city represents a living map of North African urban development.

Ottoman Period (from 16th Century)

The Old City (Medina) has preserved features characteristic of the Ottoman era. This period defined the traditional urban layout with narrow winding streets, inner courtyards, and houses made of adobe materials. In the centre of this historic district are ancient mosques, such as the Atiq Mosque and the Osman Mosque, whose tall minaret is visible from afar. The architecture of this period is functional and adapted to the local climate, reflecting Islamic and Mediterranean traditions.

Italian Colonial Architecture (1911–1942)

The Italian period had the most noticeable influence on the appearance of central Benghazi. In the 1920s and 1930s, the city underwent massive redevelopment based on European models. Italian architects created new quarters, wide avenues, and monumental buildings, combining several styles:

• Neoclassicism: A striking example of this style is the former Benghazi Cathedral. Its majestic façade with two domes became one of the symbols of the city.
• Italian Rationalism and Modernism: Administrative and public buildings of that time are characterised by strict geometric forms, conciseness, and functionality, typical of the architecture of the Mussolini era.
• Eclecticism: Many structures combined European styles with elements of local Arab architecture, creating a unique "Italo-Libyan" flair.

During this period, not only administrative buildings and churches were built, but also cinemas, hotels, and residential buildings, which formed what was then the modern centre of Benghazi.

Modern Period (from mid-20th Century)

After Libya gained independence, and especially during the period of economic growth linked to the oil boom, a new phase of construction began in Benghazi. Modern residential and administrative buildings, hospitals, schools, and university campuses were erected. The architecture of this period followed global trends of modernism, focusing on functionality and the use of modern materials such as concrete and glass. The city expanded significantly, with new districts appearing, yet the historic centre largely retained its appearance formed in the first half of the 20th century.

Distinguished Personalities in the History of Benghazi

Benghazi, being one of Libya's most important cities for centuries, is associated with the names of many significant historical and cultural figures. These personalities left a mark not only on the history of the city but also on the entire country.

• Berenice II of Egypt (c. 267–221 BC) — A queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty. In her honour, the city, previously known as Euesperides, was renamed Berenice. It bore this name throughout the ancient era, highlighting its significance in the Hellenistic world.
• Omar Al-Mukhtar (1858–1931) — A national hero of Libya and leader of the resistance against Italian colonisation. Although he was not born in Benghazi itself, his activities were inextricably linked to Cyrenaica, and his trial and execution took place near the city. Omar Al-Mukhtar, known as the "Lion of the Desert", became a symbol of the struggle for independence.
• Idris I (1890–1983) — The first and only King of independent Libya. It was in Benghazi on 24 December 1951 that he proclaimed the country's independence. The city became one of the two capitals of the kingdom, and a royal residence was located nearby.
• Mahmoud Jibril (1952–2020) — A Libyan politician born in Benghazi. He served as interim Prime Minister during the events of 2011 and played a notable role in the transitional period of the country's history.
• Sadiq Al-Naihoum (1937–1994) — A prominent Libyan writer, thinker, and critic born in Benghazi. He is known for his bold works on social and religious themes, which had a great influence on 20th-century Arab intellectual thought.
• Wanis Al-Qaddafi (1924–1986) — A Libyan political figure originally from Benghazi. He served as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Kingdom of Libya era, prior to the 1969 coup d'état.