The Emirate of Cyrenaica

The Tripolitanian Republic and the Emirate of Cyrenaica (Cirenaica)

Before colonel Gaddafi seized power in 1969 Libya was a federation consisting of three parts: Tripolitania, Fezzan and Cyrenaica. The cities of Tripoli and Benghazi served alternately as the national capital (Fezzan being a dessert, tribal area, didn't provide a capital).

Flag of the Emirate of Cyrenaica

Cyrenaica, the region around Benghazi, was originally colonized by the Greeks. It is named after the ancient city of Cyrene, one of the greatest intellectual and artistic centers of the Greek world, famous for its medical school, learned academies, and architecture.

Stamp of Cyrenaica

From 1879 on Tripolitania and Cyrenaica were two separate Ottoman provinces (vilayets). In 1911 the Italians invaded, and a colonial war developed during which from 1920 until 1929 Cyrenaica was a semi-independent emirate led by sheikh Idris. When the Italians had finally won they (i.e. Mussolini) combined Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan into the Italian colony of Libya in 1934. From 1942 until 1949 Cyrenaica was occupied and administered by the English.

Emirate of Cyrenaica (southern border extends to Chad and Sudan)

From March 1949 until December 1951 the Emirate of Cyrenaica was an independent state led by Emir Idris. Its independence was recognized by the UK.

The parliament of the Emirate of Cyrenaica in Benghazi (with some WOII damage)

The palace of the Emir in Benghazi

In 1951, forced by the UN, the kingdom of Libya was formed out of the three parts, led by (now) king Idris.

What we see happening today sometimes seems more like a war between the two main components of Libya, each with their own distinct history, instead of a rebellion against a dictator.

next episode: a beautiful actress