Misrata (مصراته)
is a city in Misrata District in north western Libya, situated 210 km (130 mi) to the east of Tripoli on the Mediterranean coast near Cape Misrata.
With a district population (which includes Bani Walid) of just over 550,000 in 2006, Misrata is the third largest city in Libya, after Tripoli and Benghazi. It is the capital city of Misrata District and has been called the business capital of Libya. The harbor is at Qasr Ahmed.
As part of the 2011 Libyan civil war, the city was reported to have fallen under the control of the Libyan opposition.The Battle of Misrata, that erupted in February 24, was renewed with shelling on March 20 and pro-Gaddafi tanks pushing forward to the city center. On 20 March 2011 the city was, according to an eye witness report aired on BBC News, in the process of being 'razed to the ground'. Eye witnesses reported that pro-Gaddafi soldiers were shooting, killing and injuring unarmed civilians.
For over 70 days, the city was shelled by artillery, tanks, and snipers, and for over 40 days had its water supply intentionally shut off by Muammar Gaddafi's forces. As supplies ran short, hundreds of thousands were at risk of death.
Etymology
Semitic etymology for Misrata is related to its location on the east of the Punic Sesemitic speaking Carthage. Using East as a name for a place is common in other Semitic languages, ie: Mishrak in Arabic, Misrakh in Sabaean, Mizrakh in Hebrew.
Geography
Misrata lies on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea 211 km (131 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. Green plains encircle the center of the town, which contains modern buildings, wide streets, large factories such as the iron and steel complex and carpet and textile factories and a number of establishments, companies and trade centers.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 enjoys a modern infrastructure, including new roads, electricity and communications. It is also the seat of many national companies such as the Libyan Ports Company, Libyan Iron and Steel Company, the Libyan publishing, distribution and Advertising Company. Besides that it has branches of public and private sector banks and one locally and privately owned bank.
is a city in Misrata District in north western Libya, situated 210 km (130 mi) to the east of Tripoli on the Mediterranean coast near Cape Misrata.
With a district population (which includes Bani Walid) of just over 550,000 in 2006, Misrata is the third largest city in Libya, after Tripoli and Benghazi. It is the capital city of Misrata District and has been called the business capital of Libya. The harbor is at Qasr Ahmed.
As part of the 2011 Libyan civil war, the city was reported to have fallen under the control of the Libyan opposition.The Battle of Misrata, that erupted in February 24, was renewed with shelling on March 20 and pro-Gaddafi tanks pushing forward to the city center. On 20 March 2011 the city was, according to an eye witness report aired on BBC News, in the process of being 'razed to the ground'. Eye witnesses reported that pro-Gaddafi soldiers were shooting, killing and injuring unarmed civilians.
For over 70 days, the city was shelled by artillery, tanks, and snipers, and for over 40 days had its water supply intentionally shut off by Muammar Gaddafi's forces. As supplies ran short, hundreds of thousands were at risk of death.
Etymology
Semitic etymology for Misrata is related to its location on the east of the Punic Sesemitic speaking Carthage. Using East as a name for a place is common in other Semitic languages, ie: Mishrak in Arabic, Misrakh in Sabaean, Mizrakh in Hebrew.
Geography
Misrata lies on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea 211 km (131 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. Green plains encircle the center of the town, which contains modern buildings, wide streets, large factories such as the iron and steel complex and carpet and textile factories and a number of establishments, companies and trade centers.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 enjoys a modern infrastructure, including new roads, electricity and communications. It is also the seat of many national companies such as the Libyan Ports Company, Libyan Iron and Steel Company, the Libyan publishing, distribution and Advertising Company. Besides that it has branches of public and private sector banks and one locally and privately owned bank.
