The Benghazi Antiquities Authority announced on Saturday the launch of the Libyan Antiquities Exhibition as part of its participation in the Benghazi Summer Festival. Nasser Al-Harari, the Benghazi Antiquities Monitor, in statements to the Libyan News Agency, described the exhibition as a journey through time, showcasing unique artifacts that reflect the diverse civilizations characteristic of Benghazi.
Al-Harari highlighted that the planned exhibition hall within the Benghazi Antiquities Authority would contain a variety of artifacts representing all cultures, which are rare.
He also invited the city’s residents and those interested in cultural affairs to visit the museum exhibition hall to discover the city’s roots and explore a range of artifacts from prehistoric cultures.
On Thursday, Prime Minister of the Libyan Government-designate Osama Hammad stated that the first edition of the Benghazi Summer Festival presents an accurate picture of the situation in Libya, countering misleading narratives.
Hammad added during his speech at the Benghazi Summer Festival that since taking office, the Libyan government has prioritized supporting efforts to organize religious competitions and events, as well as cultural, artistic, and sports gatherings.
He mentioned that the government aims to create a solid foundation for excellence and creativity in various fields by supporting all programs and efforts targeting the enhancement of public awareness among the youth.
Hammad affirmed that the Libyan government participated in organizing international Quranic recitation competitions, which attracted competitors from several countries, along with various sports activities.
The Prime Minister continued: “Today, we gather at this diverse cultural, sports, and artistic event, the first edition of the Benghazi Summer Festival, which will run for fifteen days, featuring theatrical performances, a book fair with significant participation from numerous publishing and distribution houses, and a Libyan heritage exhibition highlighting Libyan values and popular heritage, showcasing our unique customs and traditions.”
Hammad explained that the festival activities include electronic games competitions, various sports competitions such as swimming and beach soccer, and an equestrian championship featuring teams and riders from within and outside Libya, all held as part of the festival.
He pointed out that the event also includes performances by the Russian circus, one of the largest in Russia and the third largest in the world, providing a suitable opportunity for family entertainment, alongside other artistic and cultural activities.
The Prime Minister stated that the goals of such summer festivals include providing opportunities for youth participation in sports and cultural activities, fostering a spirit of competition in an annual event planned well in advance, and offering a recreational and educational space for all age groups without exception.
He noted that this summer festival is a unique and unprecedented event in Libya, aiming to become an annual celebration of cultural and sports life, coinciding with an unprecedented boom in development and reconstruction, whether in general infrastructure or in sports, educational, and cultural facilities.
Hammad concluded his speech by saying: “These activities aim to promote tourism both within and outside Libya and to convey a clear image to the world about the true situation in Libya, countering the misleading portrayals by various media outlets with ulterior motives.”
