The Municipality of Benghazi has officially welcomed the city’s selection as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2026, describing the designation as a landmark achievement that reflects its deep-rooted cultural heritage and longstanding contribution to Arab intellectual and artistic life.
In a statement, the municipality said the recognition reaffirms Benghazi’s historic position as a center of literature, thought, arts, and knowledge across the Arab world.
According to the statement, the selection crowns years of cultural effort and follows the city’s successful hosting of the Islamic World Capital of Culture celebrations in 2023–2024.
That experience, officials noted, demonstrated Benghazi’s ability to organize major cultural events and highlighted its capacity to merge tradition with modern creativity.
The municipality emphasized that Benghazi has, throughout its history, produced influential writers, scholars, and artists who have helped shape both national and regional cultural identity.
It described the 2026 title as a collective achievement for the city and the country, reflecting resilience, renewal, and growing cultural dynamism.
At the same time, municipal officials stressed that the event must remain a unifying national occasion, free from political divisions or disputes.
The statement called for keeping the celebrations focused on culture, creativity, and shared heritage, warning against attempts to politicize what should be a unifying moment for all Libyans.
The municipality urged state institutions, cultural organizations, civil society groups, and intellectual leaders to coordinate efforts to ensure the success of the event.
It also renewed its call for the formation of a high-level national committee to oversee preparations, design a comprehensive cultural program, and secure the necessary financial and logistical support.
