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 Benghazi - Culture

Banghazi, also Bengasi or Benghazi, city, northeastern Libya, in the district of Banghazi, on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Sidra. The second largest city of Libya, it is located on a railroad and has a considerable caravan trade with the interior. Benghazi is the center of trade in the cereals, dates, olives, wool, and livestock produced in the surrounding area. In addition to farming, sponge and tuna fishing are important occupations. Sponges, hides, and wool are the chief exports. The University of Garyounis (1955) is located in the city.

The city today displays little of its ancient heritage, as it was pretty much pummelled into ruin during WWII. Benghazi makes a great base for exploring the lush Green Mountain area and the numerous Roman ruins along the coast, and there are good bathing beaches within a quick drive.

With a good pair of walking shoes, you can cover central Benghazi easily on foot. The covered souqs are open daily, but they really come alive on Friday morning, when the whole city seems to convene for a shopping spree. The main covered market, the Souq al-Jreed on Sharia Omar al-Mukhtar, sells all manner of clothes and household goods, while not far off the street becomes a pedestrian precinct or small shops and cafes.

Not night life! Afternoon life, and early evening life. For both sexes, all ages. Benghazi has more of the relaxed attitude Arabs are known for. People hang around, look at one another, talk, and enjoy life.

Benghazi is a big city, far more than half a million. But it remains architecturally attractive, overlooking the sea and a marina, and many beaches make up the coastline. Most of Benghazi are modern buildings, but the old city is good, with covered alleyways. It's especially crowded on Fridays, when people fill the streets, shopping. This should be your leading star when staying in Benghazi, follow the crowd shopping.

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