Misrata
Misrata
مصراتة | |
---|---|
City | |
UTC+2 (EET) | |
Area code | 31 |
License Plate Code | 3 |
Website | misrata |
Misrata or Misratah (
Etymology
The name "Misrata ⵎⵙⵔⴰⵜⴰ" derives from the Misrata tribe, a section of the larger Berber Hawwara confederacy, whose homeland in Antiquity and the early Islamic period was coastal Tripolitania.[6][7][8]
"Trirone Acrone", the oldest description mentioned by Ptolemy III Euergetes of Misrata because it consists of three heads of land stretching into the sea depth, and got Misrata importance by being at the crossroads of many convoys and also because it is in the middle of an agricultural area with the name of "Cephalae Promentorium" (Kevalay) of the Greek geographer Strabo. And the city of Misrata is one of the commercial stations that have been built by the Phoenicians, since more than 3000 years (The Tenth Century BC) to the north-western parts of the Libyan coast. The flag then by the name of Thubactis Misrata and know that name in relation to the Berber tribe of Misurata (The Misurateens), which means the sailors.[citation needed]
History
Early history
Modern Misrata was established around the 7th century AD during the beginning of modern Libya's rule by the
In any case, in the 7th century, Misrata served as a caravan supply center and an important port.[9] Merchant traders from Misrata were well known throughout the Sahara during the years of the Caliphate (7th–19th centuries). In addition to its strategic location, the city established itself as one of Libya's oldest producers of luxury carpets.[11] The Misrata tribe, a section of the larger Berber Hawwara confederacy, inhabited the coastal region of Tripolitania during the Roman and early Arab eras.[6][7]
Ottoman era
The region of Tripolitania, which included Misrata, came under the regency of the Ottoman Empire in 1551.[11] By the beginning of the 19th century, Misrata had established itself as a major center for the Trans-Saharan trade route, where caravans carrying gold, leather, and slaves, regularly stopped. Because of the rainfall along the coast, which was abundant compared to other cities in Tripolitania, and supplemental water from underground springs, Misrata's inhabitants were able to engage in unusually fertile agriculture in this largely arid region. The city was filled with thick areas of vegetable gardens while the surrounding countryside included fields of wheat, barley, date palms and olive orchards. Misrata's artisans also expanded on the city's ancient carpet industry for which it was regionally renowned. Although Misrata contained a well-built harbor, most of its long-distance trade was overland because the city of Benghazi to the east served as the preferable substitute for maritime shipping.[12]
As a result of the abolition of slavery and increasing
Two clans, the Muntasir and Adgham, dominated the political, social and economic aspects of Misrata and led the local tribes against their
Up until 1908, the Muntasirs, led by Umar al-Muntasir, controlled the upper echelons of the newly organized bureaucracy in Tripoli Province and were largely accepted by the local notables as the administrators of Misrata along with Sirte, Gharyan and Tarhuna. However, that year, the Young Turks acquired power in Istanbul and ousted the traditional Ottoman leadership.[15] Viewing the Muntasirs as loyalists of Abdul Hamid II, the ousted sultan, they made efforts to reduce Muntasir power in the region. The Young Turk administration in Tripoli vetoed Muntasir membership in the local parliament and dismissed the governor of Tarhuna who was Umar al-Muntasir's son, Ahmad Dhiya al-Muntasir, from his post. In addition, they allegedly hired a group of local Misratans to assassinate Abd al-Qasim, another one Umar's sons.[16]
Italian occupation
In October 1911, Italy had launched an invasion against Ottoman Tripolitania, but were unable to reach Misrata until June 1912.[17] Ahmad Dhiya al-Muntasir had consulted with the Italians in Rome months prior to the invasion and Umar al-Muntasir used his influence to coordinate with them militarily once they landed on the Libyan coastline. In return for their collaboration, the Muntasirs were able to maintain their administrative role and gained positions as advisers to the Italian military authorities.[15]
During
Although the Italians reestablished their control of much of Libya following their victory in World War I, al-Swehli retained his position as administrator of Misrata. In 1920 he expelled his Italian adviser from Misrata and controlled the town independently with about 10,000 fighters. Al Rakib, a Tripoli-based newspaper, commended the order and security in place at Misrata under al-Swehli as well as the strict application of
During the mid-1920s and 1930s, Misrata became a center of
In January 1939, the
Independence
In response to alleged vote rigging during the 1952 parliamentary elections, Misrata witnessed mass riots which contributed to the Libyan monarchy's permanent ban on political parties.[26]
Following Muammar Gaddafi's coup that overthrew the monarchy of King Idris in 1969, Misrata grew rapidly from the 1970s onward. Two iron and steel mills were established in the city resulting in a mass migration of Libyans from nearby rural areas to Misrata and consequently generated population and economic growth. The marina was rapidly developed to host shipping to service the steel plants and other factories with raw materials and other goods.[22]
During this period Misrata became the principal economic, educational and administrative center of eastern Tripolitania. The majority of government ministries have branch offices in the city in addition to several college universities, schools and hospitals. The commercial area of Misrata contains numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. The extensive development of the city attracted large numbers of immigrants to Misrata, giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The main square adjacent to the old souk resembles those of major Moroccan cities.[22]
Revolution
Starting on 20 February 2011, small demonstrations took place in Misrata in solidarity with anti-government protesters in Benghazi. Libyan police immediately arrested the Misratan protesters, sparking larger demonstrations which Libyan government forces sought to quell using live ammunition. Within a few days, 70 protesters were killed provoking outrage among the city's inhabitants.
The battle was renewed with shelling on 20 March as pro-Gaddafi tanks and artillery pushed forward and besieged Misrata. Eyewitnesses reported that pro-Gaddafi soldiers were shooting, killing and injuring unarmed civilians.[31] The city was shelled by artillery, tanks, and snipers for over 40 days and had its water supply shut off by Gaddafi's forces.[32] By late April, over 1,000 people in the city were reported killed while around 3,000 were injured.[27] With air support from NATO which entered the conflict on the rebels' side on March 19, and a vital sea-based life line from neighbouring country the Island of Malta,[33] anti-Gaddafi forces managed to force loyalist troops to retreat on April 21, gaining control of most of the city by mid-May.[34]
Thereafter, forces from Misrata played an important role in other theaters of the war, such as the Battle of Tripoli, the Battle of Sirte and the Battle of Bani Walid (2011).
Geography
Misrata lies on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea 187 km (116 mi) east of Tripoli and 825 km (513 mi) west of Benghazi. The location of the city creates a dualism of sea and sand, bounded by the sea to the north and east and to the south by golden sands dotted with palm and olive trees.
Like Benghazi and Tripoli, Misrata is divided into two distinct sections. Older Misrata consists of small stone houses and narrow arched streets while the newer part of the city, which began to develop in the 20th century, consists of modern buildings, homes, factories and industrial areas.[35] Aside from its distinct location, which makes it a centre for the exchange of commodities and materials with the rest of the cities of the country, Misrata has modern infrastructure, including paved roads, electricity and communications.
Climate
The
Climate data for Misrata ( Misrata International Airport ) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1925–2020)
| |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 30.0 (86.0) |
36.1 (97.0) |
40.0 (104.0) |
45.0 (113.0) |
45.1 (113.2) |
51.1 (124.0) |
47.5 (117.5) |
48.9 (120.0) |
47.8 (118.0) |
46.1 (115.0) |
36.7 (98.1) |
32.4 (90.3) |
51.1 (124.0) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 18.0 (64.4) |
18.7 (65.7) |
21.1 (70.0) |
23.8 (74.8) |
27.1 (80.8) |
30.0 (86.0) |
31.7 (89.1) |
32.5 (90.5) |
31.6 (88.9) |
29.0 (84.2) |
24.0 (75.2) |
19.5 (67.1) |
25.6 (78.1) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 13.9 (57.0) |
14.3 (57.7) |
16.5 (61.7) |
19.1 (66.4) |
22.2 (72.0) |
25.2 (77.4) |
27.3 (81.1) |
28.2 (82.8) |
27.3 (81.1) |
24.5 (76.1) |
19.5 (67.1) |
15.4 (59.7) |
21.1 (70.0) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 9.8 (49.6) |
9.9 (49.8) |
11.8 (53.2) |
14.3 (57.7) |
17.3 (63.1) |
20.4 (68.7) |
23.0 (73.4) |
23.9 (75.0) |
23.0 (73.4) |
19.9 (67.8) |
15.0 (59.0) |
11.2 (52.2) |
16.6 (61.9) |
Record low °C (°F) | −1.0 (30.2) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
0.1 (32.2) |
0.1 (32.2) |
6.3 (43.3) |
10.1 (50.2) |
13.9 (57.0) |
16.0 (60.8) |
12.0 (53.6) |
6.9 (44.4) |
3.0 (37.4) |
−0.7 (30.7) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 51.6 (2.03) |
31.1 (1.22) |
22.5 (0.89) |
9.5 (0.37) |
3.4 (0.13) |
1.7 (0.07) |
0.0 (0.0) |
1.6 (0.06) |
11.8 (0.46) |
28.7 (1.13) |
39.4 (1.55) |
53.3 (2.10) |
254.6 (10.02) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 6.6 | 5.5 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 3.3 | 4.6 | 7.2 | 34.7 |
Average relative humidity (%)
|
68.7 | 68.6 | 68.6 | 67.1 | 68.2 | 69.3 | 71.1 | 71.1 | 69.4 | 68.2 | 67.1 | 67.7 | 68.8 |
Average dew point °C (°F) | 8.0 (46.4) |
8.0 (46.4) |
9.8 (49.6) |
11.7 (53.1) |
14.9 (58.8) |
18.3 (64.9) |
21.2 (70.2) |
22.2 (72.0) |
20.7 (69.3) |
17.2 (63.0) |
12.3 (54.1) |
8.9 (48.0) |
14.4 (57.9) |
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 182.9 | 217.5 | 238.7 | 255.0 | 316.2 | 303.0 | 378.2 | 353.4 | 273.0 | 238.7 | 213.0 | 179.8 | 3,149.4 |
Mean daily sunshine hours | 5.9 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 10.2 | 10.1 | 12.2 | 11.4 | 9.1 | 7.7 | 7.1 | 5.8 | 8.6 |
Source 1: NOAA[36] | |||||||||||||
Source 2: Deutscher Wetterdienst (extremes 1925–1989),[37] Arab Meteorology Book (sun only)[38] |
Demographics
The city is considered to be the "main center of the Turkish-origin community in Libya";[39] in total, the Turks form approximately two-thirds (est.270,000 in 2019[40]) of Misrata's 400,000 inhabitants.[40][41]
Economy
Serving the role of Libya's commercial hub, Misrata is notably clean and construction is well-organized. Its citizens are largely viewed by other Libyans as business oriented. The city's steel mill industry (which is dominated by the government-owned Libyan Iron and Steel Company) is one its principal income producers and sources of employment. Due to the 1970s-80s renovation of Misrata's marina to better supply the industrial plants with raw material, the industry has been able to expand and the steel mill authorities hold considerable influence in the city.[22] Al-Naseem Dairy, one of the largest private companies in Libya, is also located in Misrata and employs around 750 workers.[42]
A historic aspect of the local economy is the cloth and textile industry. Situated near the city's central square are
Most major businesses, shops and social centers are located on
The city has a great potential for expansion since it attracts a lot of internal immigration and is surrounded by uninhabited flat land with no obstacles. It is home to
Government
Misrata is governed by a
Education
Sports clubs
- Asswehly Sports Club(founded 1944)
- Alittihad Misurata Sports Club (founded 1965)
- Alahly Misurata Sports Club (founded 1974)
- Assabah Sports Club (founded 1976)
- Attahaddy Misurata Sports Club (founded 1979)
- Annajem Arrefi Sports Club (founded 1979)
- Aschumooe Sports Club (founded 1982)
- Attasaddy Misurata Sports Club (founded 1983)
- Aljihad Sports Club (founded 1984)
- Assakhra Sports Club (founded 1984)
Transport
A railway line was proposed in 2008 but as of 2016 no actual construction had taken place.[47] It is also served by Misrata Airport.
In September 2019 an express bus service was launched connecting the airport to Tripoli.[48]
Notable people
- Ali Elmusrati
- Ahmad Zarruq
- Ramadan Asswehly
See also
- Apostolic Prefecture of Misurata, pre-diocesan Catholic jurisdiction
- List of cities in Libya
- Transport in Libya
- Tripolitania
References
- ^ "Wolfram Alpha". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
- ^ "Field Listing :: Major urban areas - population — the World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency". Archived from the original on 2020-10-07. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
- ^ a b Misrata stages first Libyan election in decades Archived 2012-02-23 at the Wayback Machine. ABC News. 2012-02-21. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ "مصراتة: Libya". Geographical Names. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
- ^ "Mişrātah: Libya". Geographical Names. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
- ^ )
- ^ )
- ^ Deadly fighting rages in Libya's Bani Walid Archived 2012-10-26 at the Wayback Machine. Al Jazeera English. 2012-10-23.
- ^ a b "Misratah". Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 2006. Archived from the original on 2011-12-21. Retrieved 2006-12-07.
- ^ Mattingly 1995, pp. 104–105
- ^ a b c Ham, p. 119.
- ^ a b Burke 1993, p. 116
- ^ a b Burke 1993, p. 117
- ^ Ben-Ghiat & Fuller 2008, p. 65
- ^ a b Ben-Ghiat & Fuller 2008, p. 66
- ^ Burke 1993, p. 119
- ^ Burke 1993, p. 120
- ^ Burke 1993, p. 121
- ^ a b Burke 1993, p. 122
- ^ Burke 1993, p. 125
- ^ Burke 1993, p. 126
- ^ a b c d Azema 2000, p. 125
- ^ Ben-Ghiat & Fuller 2008, p. 122
- ^ "Italian colonization of Misurata, by governor Italo Balbo: p. 288" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-09-18. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
- ^ Italian railways in colonial Libya (in italian) Archived 2011-07-22 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Burke 1993, p. 127
- ^ a b Rice, Xan. Libyan rebels pay a heavy price for resisting Gaddafi in Misrata Archived 2011-04-26 at the Wayback Machine. The Guardian. 2011-04-21. Retrieved on 2012-02-11.
- ^ "Gaddafi defiant as state teeters". Al Jazeera. 23 February 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2011. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
- ^ "Libyan crackdown 'escalates' – UN". BBC News. 25 February 2011. Archived from the original on 9 May 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ Filiu, p. 86.
- ^ "Gaddafi forces fire on crowd in Misrata – resident". Reuters Africa. Reuters. 21 March 2011.
- ^ "Misrata: no food, no water, just snipers". Euronews. 4 May 2011. Archived from the original on 8 April 2011. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
- ^ "Aid from Malta reaches Libya's besieged Misurata". timesofmalta.com. 1 April 2011. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
- ^ Filiu, p. 87.
- ^ Hubbard 1993, p. 472
- ^ "Misurata Climate Normals 1991–2020". World Meteorological Organization Climatological Standard Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Klimatafel von Misurata (Misratah) / Libyen" (PDF). Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 May 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
- ^ "Appendix I: Meteorological Data" (PDF). Springer. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
- ^ De Giovannangeli, Umberto (2019). "Al-Sarraj vola a Milano per incontrare Salvini, l'uomo forte d'Italia". Huffington Post (in Italian). Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
... Misurata (centro principale della comunità di origine turca in Libia e città-chiave nella determinazione dei nuovi equilibri di potere nel Paese)
- ^ a b Rossi, David (2019). "PERCHÉ NESSUNO PARLA DELLA LIBIA?" (in Italian). Difesa Online. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
Chi conosce appena la situazione demografica di quella parte di Libia sa che Misurata con i suoi 270.000 abitanti (su 400.000) di origine turca e tuttora turcofoni non perderà mai il sostegno di Ankara e non cesserà un attimo di resistere, con o senza Sarraj.
- ^ Muradoğlu, Abdullah (2015). "Kuloğlu'nun ahvâlini sorana." (in Turkish). Yeni Şafak. Archived from the original on 2016-03-21. Retrieved 2016-05-15.
- ^ a b Young, Rob. Libya's commercial hub recovers slowly Archived 2014-07-10 at the Wayback Machine. BBC News. BBC. 2012-01-03. Accessed on 2012-01-07.
- ^ Azema 2000, p. 126
- ^ Gatehouse, Gabriel. Misrata votes for brighter Libyan future Archived 2018-10-01 at the Wayback Machine. BBC News. 2012-02-20. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Misurata mayor thanks Malta Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine. Times of Malta. 2011-10-06. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Misrata mayor elected Libya Herald. 2012-02-26. Retrieved on 2012-02-26.
- ^ "Libya's train project remains off the rails | DW | 20.10.2016". Deutsche Welle.
- ^ "Tripoli-Misrata airport express shuttle bus service launched". 25 September 2019.
Bibliography
- Azema, James (2000). Libya Handbook. Footprint Travel Guides. ISBN 1-900949-77-6.
- Ben-Ghiat, Ruth; Fuller, Mia, eds. (2008). Italian Colonialism. Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-230-60636-4.
- Burke, Edmund (1993). Struggle and Survival in the Modern Middle East. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-07988-4.
- Hubbard, Monica M. (1993). Cities of the World: Africa. Gale Research Inc. ISBN 0-8103-7100-6.
- ISBN 978-0472106585.
- Reclus, Elisee (1887). The Earth and Its Inhabitants, Africa: North-west Africa. D. Appleton. ISBN 9780665401992.
External links
- Misrata Page on Encarta Online (encarta.msn.com). (Archived 2009-11-01)
- Map of Misrata on the dynamic atlas of Encarta Online (encarta.msn.com).
- "Misurata". Encyclopaedia of the Orient. 2006. Archived from the original on 2011-11-29. Retrieved 2006-12-07.
- "Misurata". The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Columbia University Press. 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-07.