Al Khums, Libya

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Al Khums, Libya

Region: Al Khums

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Geographic Coordinates: 32.649700, 14.264400

Climate: Hot and dry with little precipitation.

Population: 201943

Language: Arabic

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Al Khums, A coastal city in northwestern Libya, Is approximately 120 km east of the capital city, Tripoli. With a population of around 200, 000 people, It’s one of the largest cities in the country. The name Al Khums means the five in Arabic and is believed to be derived from five hills surrounding the city. The history of Al Khums dates back to ancient times when it was known as Leptis Magna – one of Roman Africa’s most important cities. It was famous for its magnificent architecture and impressive structures built during that time period.

Today, Visitors can still see many well-preserved ruins such as the Arch of Septimius Severus – considered one of Libya’s most significant historical landmarks. Apart from its rich history and cultural heritage, Al Khums is also famous for its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters stretching for over 100 km along the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can enjoy swimming or sunbathing on white sandy beaches. Fishing plays an essential role in Al Khums’ economy with fishing vessels catching various species like sardines, Tuna and squid at its port serving as a major hub for fish trade.

Fish markets are common sights where locals gather to buy fresh fish directly from fishermen. Due to political instability rocking Libya recently causing violence throughout much of this once prosperous region; many businesses have closed down due to security concerns or lack thereof making tourism almost non-existent at present. Despite these challenges faced by Al Khums today; there are still numerous reasons why anyone would want to visit this fascinating Libyan coastal town – not least because it offers an opportunity to witness firsthand how resilient people can be even amidst adversity!

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1. Leptis Magna: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts well-preserved Roman ruins.
2. The Arch of Marcus Aurelius: A triumphal arch constructed in the 2nd century AD to celebrate Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ victories.
3. The Museum of Leptis Magna: A museum that displays ancient artifacts.
4. Al Khums Beach: A picturesque beach with clear waters and white sand.
5. Al Khums Market: An open-air market where locals sell traditional crafts and souvenirs.
6. Al Khums Corniche: A stunning promenade along the coast of Al Khums where visitors can take a leisurely stroll or bike ride while admiring breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
7. Wadi Kaam Dam: An antique dam built by the Romans to regulate water flow from nearby mountains for agricultural purposes.
8. Qasr al-Hajj Fort: An old fort located on a hilltop overlooking Al Khums city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

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• The major industries and businesses in Al Khums, Libya include:
1. Fishing
2. Agriculture
3. Tourism
• The city is known for:
• Its beautiful beaches
• Historical sites such as the Roman ruins of Leptis Magna
• Small-scale manufacturing businesses include:
• Textile production
• Food processing
• The city also has a port that handles imports and exports of goods.

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Noteable History

1. The Battle of Al-Khums occurred in 1912 between the Italian colonial army and the Ottoman Empire near Al-Khums.
2. Omar Mukhtar was a prominent Libyan resistance leader who fought against Italian colonialism in Libya during the early 20th century. He was captured and executed by the Italians in 1931.
3. Muammar Gaddafi, the former Libyan dictator, was born near Sirte but spent much of his youth in Al-Khums.
4. During World War II, Al-Khums was a strategic location for both Allied and Axis forces due to its proximity to Tripoli and its port facilities.
5. The ancient city of Leptis Magna is located just east of Al-Khums and contains well-preserved Roman ruins such as an amphitheater, temples, and public baths.
6. In recent decades, Al-Khums has become an important center for Libya’s oil industry with several oil refineries located in the area.
7. During the 2011 Arab Spring protests that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, there were significant demonstrations held in Al-Khums and surrounding areas calling for political reforms and greater freedoms.

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Museums and Things To See

1. The Ancient City of Leptis Magna: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and features stunning architecture and ancient ruins.
2. The Al Khums Museum: This museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of the region.
3. The Martyrs’ Square: A monument dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Libyan revolution.
4. The Al-Khums Corniche: A beautiful seaside promenade where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
5. The Old City (Medina): A charming historic district with narrow streets, traditional architecture, and local markets selling handmade goods.
6. The Omar Al-Mokhtar Cultural Center: A cultural center that hosts various events and exhibitions related to art, music, literature, and theater.
7. The Qasr al-Hajj Palace: An ancient palace built during Ottoman rule that features intricate architectural details and beautiful gardens.
8. Wadi Kaam Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall located just outside of Al Khums that offers a refreshing escape from city life.

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Cultural Events

1. Eid al-Fitr: A religious festival celebrating the end of Ramadan.
2. Independence Day: Celebrated on December 24th to commemorate the country’s independence from Italy in 1951.
3. Martyrs’ Day: Observed on February 16th to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Libyan revolution.
4. Tripoli International Fair: Held annually in Tripoli, this fair showcases various products and services from different countries.
5. Leptis Magna Festival: A cultural event held at the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna featuring music, dance, and theater performances.
6. Ghadames Festival: Held every year in Ghadames town showcasing traditional music and dances along with local crafts and food.

Please note that these may not be specific to Al Khums but are celebrated across Libya.

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Cuisine

• Fish dishes: Al Khums is known for its fresh seafood caught directly from the Mediterranean sea.
• Couscous: A traditional dish made of semolina flour served with meat or vegetables.
• Grilled meats: Barbecued lamb and chicken are popular dishes in Libyan cuisine.
• Shawarma: A Middle Eastern wrap made of meat (usually chicken or beef) cooked on a spit and served with vegetables and sauce.
• Baba Ghanoush: A dip made from roasted eggplant mixed with tahini sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Popular restaurants in Al Khums include:

1. Dar Al Bahr Restaurant & Cafe
2. El Forno Pizza Restaurant
3. La Piazza Restaurant & Cafe
4. El Mina Seafood Restaurant
5. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant

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Parks and Recreation

1. Green Park: This large park offers green spaces, walking paths, and playgrounds.
2. Al Khums Beach: Visitors can enjoy the clear waters and sandy shores of this beautiful beach.
3. Al Khums Sports Complex: This sports complex has a football pitch, basketball court, and tennis court.
4. Al Ghazala Park: A small park with a playground for kids.
5. Marina Al Bahr al Ahmar: A marina where visitors can rent boats or take boat tours to explore the coastline.
6. Wadi al Shatt al Rih: A scenic valley that is popular for hiking and camping trips.
7. Zliten Zoo: An animal park with a variety of animals from around the world.
8. The Roman Ruins of Leptis Magna: An ancient city that was once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire, now preserved as an archaeological site for visitors to explore.

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