Misrata covers an area of 2,770 square kilometers and is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It ranks third among the largest cities in Libya after Tripoli and Benghazi. Misrata is one of the most important economic cities in Libya due to its rapid economic growth and prosperity, with a population exceeding 881,000 people according to a 2023 census. Politically, it hosts emerging powers, and militarily, it is considered the strongest city in western Libya, boasting the largest weapons depots and military brigades.

Misrata is located in the northwest of Libya, 211 km east of Tripoli and about 825 km west of Benghazi.

Information About Misrata City

Some people also refer to it as "Musrata" or "Misratah." On the northern coast lies the old Qasr Huwwara (Hamid's Palace), which was the city’s capital in the past. To the east of the palace, there is an ancient mosque built by Mahmoud Khazindar, and adjacent to it lies a seaport known to the Italians as Misrata Marina.

To the east of this marina, there is the Libyan Iron and Steel Company Port, as well as Abu Shaafa and Al-Owainiya harbors. Historically, the city had about 200,000 palm trees and 25,000 fruit trees. It has been known for its commercial activity since ancient times and for its textile industry, producing items like Akleem (traditional rugs), Jird (a local cloak), women's Telaba, and Shashiya (a traditional headwear). It also exported wool, olive oil, musk, slaves, and the civet cat to Europe and Turkey. Scholar Faleh Al-Dhahiri mentioned that the city had deposits of mercury and sulfur.

Many of its residents migrated to Derna and Tripoli and were the first to establish modern Benghazi. Misrata was founded in a place known as Thubastis, which some historians believe has Libyan roots. Its center, known as Al-Suq, was called Imatin until the 1970s. This term also has Libyan roots, just like "Musrata." The city is mentioned in the works of Al-Yaqubi, Luis Marmol Carvajal's "Africa," and Ibn Khaldun’s history. According to scholar Mohamed Al-Muntasir, four villages surrounded Imatin during the second Ottoman period: Al-Kawafi, Al-Muqawiba, Al-Duradifa, and Al-Shurafa, all of which are now part of modern Misrata.

Near the city are high sand dunes and old Roman baths. Among the landmarks known to travelers is the Bir Qalamam well in Al-Arar, where Qalamam is a Libyan word meaning "abundant water." The site was used by pilgrims and was frequently mentioned in the writings of travelers like Al-Iyashi, the Beech brothers, Barth, and Dr. De Chila, who accompanied the Qarmarli campaign on their way to discipline the Jawazi tribe. In 1915, Ramadan Al-Sweihli established a government in Misrata, which became a center of resistance against the Italians, who eventually occupied it in 1922. With its fall, the entire Tripolitania region came under Italian control.

Why Was Misrata Named So?

Misrata is the name of a native Libyan tribe mentioned in Islamic sources as Masra or Masrat. The name is composed of three parts: Masra (the name of an ancestor), At (which Ibn Khaldun said was added by Berbers to generalize), and the Taa Marbouta (a grammatical marker in Arabic for femininity or generalization).

Notably, the region was earlier known by the Libyan name Tabkat or Tubaktis. The suffix “-s” was added by Romans and Greeks for generalization, similar to the name Derna becoming Derans. Tubakt was a city established around 3,000 years BC and served as a commercial hub along the Libyan coast. It was also known by the name Cephalai Promontorium, which referred to a green area centered around a prominent sea cape, now the Qasr Ahmed area. Other names like Imatin also emerged.

Tourism in Misrata

Misrata is primarily a coastal city with the largest ports in Libya, making it a hub for economic activity. It boasts some of the finest resorts and high-quality hotels in Libya, as well as public parks and commercial centers that are among the best in the country.

Misrata Resorts

1. Misrata Resort: One of the best resorts in the city, it offers a stunning view of the sea and is family-friendly. It includes many restaurants and cafes providing excellent services, though some visitors have commented on high prices, which are justified by the quality of the services.

2. Aman Tourist Resort: Known for its organization and fast service, it is considered one of the top 10 resorts in Libya. It offers a unique stay experience for both families and individuals, with a beachfront view.

3. Safari Resort: This resort has luxurious hotel suites and is a great tourist attraction. It sometimes hosts special visits for schools and kindergartens and is known for its reasonable prices. click here to learn more about best resorts in libya.

Restaurants in Misrata

1. Kudo Restaurant: The most popular restaurant in Misrata, Kudo is open every day from 11 AM to 11 PM except on Fridays when it is closed. It offers excellent services and has a parking lot, with prices that are affordable for everyone.

2. Meat House Restaurant: It has a designated floor for families and a ground floor for the public. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes and pastries, and visitors praise it for offering the best-grilled meats in Misrata. The prices are excellent compared to the quality of service.

3. Freedom Turkish Cuisine: This restaurant specializes in Turkish cuisine, offering a unique experience for visitors. It greets families with complimentary Turkish baklava, and its grilled dishes are a highlight. However, some visitors have noted that the prices are a bit high and there is a lack of parking spaces.

Historical Sites in Misrata

In conclusion, there are many other tourist activities available in Misrata and throughout Libya. click here to learn more about tourism in libya.