All About Benghazi

The second largest city of Libya, Benghazi functions as power rival of the capital city Tripoli. Benghazi is the second largest city of Libya. It has played an active part in the political arena of the country since its inception. During the kingdom era, the city held the status of joint capital with Tripoli. It still holds important political meetings and organizations associated with capital city. This clash of status has constituted an air of animosity between the two cities. Benghazi played an important role in bringing down the forces of General Gaddafi during the uprising in 2011. The name of the city was taken from a pious benefactor of the city namely ghazi. Ghazi means warrior and invader in Arabic. The city was named Bani Ghazi and then finally Benghazi which means thousand veterans in Turkish language. Benghazi has witnessed diverse cultures due to invasions of Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Ottomans and Italians. Benghazi also played an important part in World War II. After the wide scale destruction during Second World War, the city was rebuilt with the help of new found oil wealth. After the formation of Independent Kingdom of Libya, city lost its status of Capital and Tripoli was formed the country’s capital.

Benghazi lies on the coast of Mediterranean and experiences a warm semi-arid climate. The northern parts of the city side with Mediterranean while desert climate is prevalent in the north side of the city. Summer is long, hot and dry meanwhile winter is mild. The city experiences very low rainfall throughout the year usually not more than 268mm. The greenery and trees are scarce in the city. Public parts and recreational areas of the city are green zones. The most famous park is al-Bosco which was built during Italian era. It houses a number of animals like elephants, birds, wild cats and many others. This park is full of trees and was turned into a theme park by adding electric rides during1980’s. The park attracts local people during holidays as well as in working days. Other famous green parks are 23rd of July Park and Al-Buduzira. The Al-Buduzira Park is the largest park of the city with added facility of water slides and natural lake. It is very popular during summers especially among teenagers.

The city is the economical, industrial and commercial hub of the country. The port of the city is important source of imports and exports in the country. The main manufactures of the city include textiles, cement, salt and processed food. The main industry of the city is however Oil industry. Many national companies like Arabian Gulf Oil and others have their offices in the city. The city also houses international franchises like Nike and H&M. Libyan Bank of Commerce and Central Bank of Libya also maintain their branches in the city. The education in Benghazi is free and compulsory like rest of Libya. The oldest university of the country The University of Libya resides in the city. Many primaries, secondary and some private schools are scattered throughout the city in good number. The city also houses country’s largest library.