In “Lion of the Desert” (1981), Anthony Quinn plays resistance leader Omar al-Mukhtar against colonial Italy. Bankrolled by Libya and directed by Moustapha Akkad, the film stayed banned in Italy until 2009.
Al-Aziziyah near Tripoli held the world heat record for 90 years — 58°C in 1922 — until the WMO struck it down in 2012 in favour of Death Valley.
Most governments currently advise against travel to Libya — check official guidance before any plans. Its heritage, from Leptis Magna and Sabratha to Ghadames, the “pearl of the desert”, awaits calmer days. An eSIM helps: follow official travel advisories in real time, keep family updated and verify routes as you go.