Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa, a crossroads of Greek, Roman, Arab and Berber civilisation, and one of the most historically rich destinations on earth. It also happens to have almost no tourists. Koryo Tours is changing that, and we'd like you to join us.
Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa, and one of the first new countries to discover with Koryo Tours!
So, what does Libya have to offer? And why should you add it to your bucket list today?
Where is Libya?
History of Libya
Language and Religion in Libya
Libyan Culture
Top Attractions in Libya
Why Libya, why now, and why Koryo Tours?
Libya is officially known as the State of Libya. It is located in the Maghreb region in North Africa.
Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa and the Arab world, and is the 16th largest country in the world.
Tripoli is Libya’s capital city, and is the largest city in the country. It contains over one million people out of the seven million people currently living there.
Firstly, Libya was inhabited by Berbers since the late Bronze Age. As a result of these early Berber inhabitants, approximately 5% of Libya’s population is still ethnically Berber.
Later, the Phoenicians were the ones who built city-states and opened Libya for trading very early on.
Not long after, the Carthaginians, Numidians, Persians and Greeks travelled to and from the region along Libya’s Mediterranean coast before falling under control of the Roman Empire.
Because of this, Libya is the site of both Arabic and Mediterranean cultural interaction which can still very much be seen today.
During the early 20th century, Italy occupied Libya after their victory in the Italo-Turkish War against the Ottomans.
Here, two colonies were established. Italian Tripolitania and Italian Cyrenaica, which were later unified under the Italian Libya colony in 1934. This led to a growing Italian population in Libya, which amplified the Mediterranean influences and established Italian as the most widely spoken language in Libya aside from Libyan Arabic.
Libya during World War II became a site of major developments during the war in North Africa, which led to their independence from Italy in 1951, becoming a monarchy.
Following this period of instability, a military coup led by Muammar Gaddafi overthrew the monarchy and established a republic in Libya.
Gaddafi himself ruled Libya for 42 years until he was overthrown during the height of the Arab Spring in 2011.
Since 2011, Libya has been claimed to be ruled by two rival political groups.
This led to a second civil war until a permanent ceasefire was signed in 2020 and a unity government came into power to work towards eventual democratic elections.
Libya’s official language is Libyan Arabic, alongside Modern Standard Arabic.
Because of the ethnic Berber population, various other Berber languages are also spoken in Libya, such as Tamasheq, Suknah and Awjilah, as well as Amazigh establishing itself significantly in Libya among the Berber population.
English is widely understood across Libya and especially within major cities, but you shouldn’t expect it.
Italian is also used by the remaining Italian population from their colonial period and is also used in commerce.
Approximately 97% of Libyans are Muslim, and most follow the Sunni branch of Islam.
Additionally, there is also a small population of Ibadi Muslims in Libya.
In Libya, many people identify with the Arab world and being part of the wider Arab community.
This became especially prevalent during the rule of Muammar Gaddafi, who promoted unity among the Arab world and even banned the teaching and use of the indigenous Berber languages.
In terms of cuisine, Libyan food generally is a mix between Mediterranean and Arab cuisines, with both rice and pasta being core foods to traditional Libyan dishes.
A traditional dish in Libya is bazeen, a communal bread dish served with a red tomato sauce and usually eaten by hand.
Libya has an amazing blend of Greek, Roman, Arab and Persian architecture. And spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
These are places where many great empires historically have interacted and influenced each other, and their remains tell the story.
Come with us to see...
A maze of narrow streets and a bright, colourful area of cultural heritage, where merchants sell traditional spices, textiles and crafts
Built in the second century AD, this Roman theatre can hold around 5000 spectators and is truly a spectacular example of Roman engineering and design
One of the best preserved Roman cities in the world with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean coast
One of Libya’s most significant sites of Greek architecture, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
during sunset
… and more!
Travelling to Libya is a unique experience in itself.
It is a melting pot of vibrant cultures where African, Arab and European traditions interact, with a fascinating and deep history of Roman, Greek and Persian influences.
The Sahara Desert offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of stunning Libyan landscapes and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites allow you to retrace the steps of ancient civilisations.
Despite Libya’s civil unrest since the toppling of Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, it has become an increasingly popular North African destination. And there’s reason for it.
It truly has a lot on offer. Some of the best remnants of Roman and Greek cities in the world - and you’ll likely be the only tourist visiting.
Plus, eastern Libya has recently opened up too, and a new tourist visa has even been introduced, making it all the easier to uncover a myriad of Libya’s ancient and vibrant landscapes.
Koryo Tours is opening up to more adventures, and we want to see you there.
Come with us to discover what Libya has to offer with a group of many like-minded individuals, with your safety as our number one priority.
See you there?
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