Banghāzī

Banghāzī (also Benghāzī or Bengasi), city in north-east Libya, in the district of Banghāzī on the east coast of the Gulf of Sidra. The second-largest city in Libya, it is located on the railway and has a considerable caravan trade with the interior. Banghāzī is the centre of trade for the cereals, dates, olives, wool, and livestock brought in from the surrounding area. In addition to farming, sponge, and tuna fishing are important occupations. Sponges, hides, and wool are the chief exports. The University of Garyounis (1955) is located in the city.

Banghāzī was the site of the ancient Greek colony Hesperides and was also known as Berenice. It was ruled by the Turks from the 16th century until 1911, when it was captured by the Italians during the Turko-Italian War; thereafter it became part of Italian Libya. During World War II it was occupied by the British and served as the seat of British territorial administration until Libya gained independence in 1951. Population 636,992 (2003).