LHH:When was it that you first decided to work on the initiative and what was the key motivation?

Dr. Najem: This initiative started in 2018, immediately after the defeat of the terrorist groups led by ISIS. Libya became fragmented and entrenched due to the civil unrest. I thought Omar al-Mukhtar was a great icon and one that Libyans would recognize and emotionally support. I felt he would be a good starting point to reunite and rally people around his legacy. I believe we have done this.

LHH: What do you regard as being the key reason as to why the shrine is such an important initiative?

Dr. Najem: The shrine had suffered destruction and neglect over the years, as had the nation. Therefore, bringing it back to life in a civil and modern style was important to restore some dignity and confidence to the Libyan spirit, which has been wounded. This is especially so when we see foreign dignitaries come and lay wreath tributes and pay their respects at the shrine, just as they do at other world-famous memorials.

LHH: What does Omar Al Mukhtar’s legacy mean to the collective psyche of Libyans and the wider Arab world?

Dr. Najem: Omar al Mukhtar has captured the imagination and touched the hearts and souls of those who have come to know him, irrespective of their national or religious background.

Mukhtar was never victorious militarily, but had the courage and precedence to stand up to colonial aggression and evil ideologies like fascism. A decade after his death, his followers, including his son Muhammad, fought not just fascist Italy, led by Mussolini, but also Nazi Germany, led by Hitler. Also, Omar al Mukhtar as his name implies, has no tribal, clannish, racial nor regional indication or inclination. He was never involved in blood shedding of Libyans or feuds, nor left behind any material possessions like property, or any quantifiable will.

Lastly, he symbolized the collective pain and agony of those beleaguered Libyans in Cyrenaica, who were incarcerated in concentration camps, which were worse than those built for the Jewish people in Nazi Europe. His life tragically ended in 1931 with his public execution at Soluq concentration camp, just outside Benghazi. His execution took place in front of his own people, who were helpless to intervene.

LHH: How does the Centre serve as a focal point for Libyan society in terms of education and tourism?

Dr. Najem: The Centre has grown from being a shrine to becoming a Mausoleum, cultural center, specialized reference library for scholars, meeting hall for NGO’s and also home to some official State activities. The Mausoleum is now expanding to become the first museum of its kind, to tell the story of Libyan pain during the first half of the last century. We regularly receive researchers, schools, scouts and tourists from all corners of Libya and the world.

LHH: How is the Mausoleum perceived by foreign states and their representatives and dignitaries?

Dr. Najem: Foreign dignitaries who visit the site find it fascinating amidst the clumsiness of Libyan politics.

You can see a change in their understanding when they realize what Libyans have endured in the past, but they also see that Libyans have managed to progress and join the community of nation states. This gives them hope for Libya to return and stand on its own two feet.

We have regular official visits from diplomatic missions in Libya, i.e. Greece, Italy, Germany, Japan, Algeria, United Kingdom, USA, Africa, etc. We also hosted a dialogue between the UN Official Representative and the Libya Intelligentsia, discussing the way forward for the country shrouded by Omar al-Mukhtar’s mystical legacy.

Hall of the Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum. The Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum Collection.

Mausoleum at the Start of construction. The Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum Collection.

Libyans Gathering Outside the Mausoleum for an Event. The Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum Collection.

Libyan Scouts Gather Outside the Mausoleum on a visit in September 2022. Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum Collection.

Libyan Schoolchildren Visiting the Mausoleum. The Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum Collection.

The Italian Consul to Benghazi, Carlo Batori, visits the Mausoleum (above) and meets living family members of Omar Al Mukhtar (below). The Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum Collection.