Since early March, the historic city center of Benghazi in eastern Libya has undergone destruction to make way for its reconstruction. This location, which encompasses a rich heritage dating back to the Greek period of the 6th century BC, had previously suffered damage due to conflicts in 2014. Witnesses indicate that the Tarek Ben Ziad brigade, led by Saddam Khalifa Haftar, son of the influential figure in the East, has been entrusted with spearheading this operation. Despite pleas from NGOs and civil society to halt the destruction, the authorities have maintained a resolute silence.
Satellite imagery vividly portrays the extent of the disaster: a razed city center where nothing remains. The former markets from the early 19th century, the Ottoman or Italian historical buildings—such as the Berenice Theater inaugurated in 1928—and even the national bank is no longer in existence.
For activists, this represents “the erasure of collective memory and cultural and social identity” of the city, an act that goes as far as “killing its soul.” Companies affiliated with the Libyan National Army have been entrusted with forcibly evacuating the city center’s residents. Even homeowners who do not reside in the area were not notified of the destruction of their dwellings.
Zahra’ Langhi, a member of the Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace, expresses deep concern over the destruction of these buildings that were already damaged during the war. “It is a blatant assault and a crime against cultural heritage,” she states. What astonishes us the most are the orders given to the residents of the city center to evacuate their homes within 36 or 48 hours, effectively forcing them out. The subsequent demolition of these residences occurs with a complete lack of transparency. These actions represent clear violations of the economic, social, and cultural rights of the inhabitants of Benghazi.
It is noteworthy that the majority of the already destroyed buildings were supposed to be protected under the provisions of Law No. 3 of 1995. This law specifically emphasizes the imperative to preserve historical buildings and safeguard the cultural heritage of these significant sites.
Despite multiple appeals from the Authority for Historical Remains in Benghazi to the military, political, and social authorities in eastern Libya, the calls to halt the destruction have been met with little success. Disturbingly, at least two individuals who spoke out against these demolitions were arrested by the Libyan National Army. As a result, experts and specialists now fear reprisals and are reluctant to testify due to the prevailing atmosphere of intimidation.
The destruction of Benghazi’s city center also impacts the lower portion of an ancient Greek site called Hesperides, dating back to 515 BC. This site had already suffered damage during the 2014 conflict between Islamist groups and the forces led by Khalifa Haftar.
Architect Ghalb Elfitouri, currently residing in Canada, has shed light on the historical significance of the site by highlighting that unlike other ancient Libyan cities, which “house remnants of successive civilizations,” Hesperides has remained abandoned and has not experienced subsequent cultural influences. This unique aspect has preserved its heritage untouched, adding to its immense historical value.
“In general, ancient cities house remnants of successive civilizations, but Benghazi’s uniqueness lies in hosting two ancient cities in separate locations: Hesperides and Baraki,” explains Elfitouri. This distinct characteristic adds to the historical significance of Benghazi, showcasing the presence of multiple ancient settlements within its boundaries.
Consequently, Hesperides did not witness the influence of subsequent civilizations, such as the Roman, Byzantine, or Islamic eras. Its deserted state is precisely what contributes to its immense value in the eyes of archaeologists.