Barqa: Libya's historical divisions and regional identities have played a significant role in shaping the nation's current instability. The country is divided into three major regions: Barqa (Cyrenaica) in the east, Tarabulus al-Gharb (Tripolitania) in the west, and Fazzan in the south, each with distinct ethnic compositions, colonial histories, and political developments.
According to Global Voices, Cyrenaica, known for its capital Benghazi, has been historically Arab and tribally oriented, maintaining strong cultural and linguistic ties with Egypt and Sudan. During World War II, it was placed under British military administration after the defeat of Italian forces. In contrast, Fezzan, geographically closer to the Sahel, has often been overlooked by central authorities in Tripoli, leading to ongoing issues such as underdevelopment and human trafficking.
Tripolitania, with Tripoli as its capital, is Libya's smallest region by area but the most densely populated. During the Italian colonial period, it was closely aligned with Rome and collaborated with Fascist Italy to suppress anti-colonial movements. Historical records indicate that during the 1920s and 1930s, Tripolitanian leaders issued religious endorsements encouraging local fighters to join Italian militias, which participated in operations against Cyrenaican resistance.
In 1937, a symbolic ceremony took place in Tripoli where Benito Mussolini was awarded the title Sword of Islam, a move designed to fabricate indigenous support for colonial rule and undermine the Senussi resistance in Cyrenaica. The post-World War II era saw the establishment of a federal union in 1951 under King Idris I, uniting the regions under the name Libya.
Libya functioned as a federal monarchy from 1951 until 1963, when federalism was abolished in favor of centralization dominated by Tripolitanian elites. This shift led to deep resentment, particularly in the eastern region of Cyrenaica. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's rise to power in 1969 further entrenched centralized authority, dismantling tribal autonomy and marginalizing both Cyrenaica and Fezzan.
The 2011 revolution, inspired by the Arab Spring, led to Gaddafi's downfall but reignited historical grievances and rivalries. The subsequent power vacuum resulted in competing governments and factions, exacerbating regional tensions and reviving historical regional identities. Cyrenaica called for a return to federalism, Fezzan demanded greater control over resources, while Tripolitania remained fragmented with competing militias and power centers.
In recent years, renewed clashes in Tripoli among rival armed groups have further destabilized the nation. Despite efforts by the United Nations, Libya has yet to hold national elections. Experts argue that the root of Libya's crisis lies in ignoring its pre-1951 history, including its regionalism and complex identity, which have transformed the conflict into a multidimensional struggle over power, identity, governance, and historical justice.