Libya By:John Poersch

Libya's religion

“Most of Libya’s people are Arabs. Berbers were once the main people in old-time Libya.But today most Berbers have adopted Arab culture. There are small groups of other Africans, Italians, Greeks, and other peoples. Arabic is the main language. Most Libyans are Muslims who belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. So in Lybya Muslim is more domunite and even shows the muslim symbol on the flag” (Libya).

Common/Traditional Foods in Libya

Couscous is a very popular food that is very common to be found in Libya. “Couscous is semolina sprinkled with oil and water and rolled into tiny grains. The grains are steamed and then are ready for use in a favorite recipe. It can be mixed with a number of sauces and then combined with a variety of meats and/or vegetables. Couscous is also combined with honey and milk and served for breakfast”(Libyans)

Coming of Age Traditions in Libya

They usally celebrate Muslim holidays lie Eid al-Fitr, which comes at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. They do this in order to reflect on God and on the plight of the unfortunate who do not have enough food. At the end of the month, Muslims celebrate for three days.Then there is Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the willingness of religious leader Abraham to obey God’s command in all things, even when Abraham was told to sacrifice his son which almost the entire population celebrates.(Libyans)

Customary Attire in Libya

“Two styles of clothing are common in Libya. In the cities, there is a mixture of Western and traditional clothes. Girls commonly wear brightly colored dresses, and boys wear jeans and shirts. Young men and women wear predominantly modern clothing, but most women continue to cover their hair in keeping with Islamic tradition.The traditional attire for men is a long, white gown worn over a shirt and pants. Some men wear a black or white Muslim skullcap on their heads” (Libyans)

School Life

“Libya uses a Western-style education system that includes six years of primary school, three years of preparatory school, and three years of secondary school. Schooling is required for both boys and girls until the age of 15. After completion of secondary school, Libyans may attend either vocational schools or universities.Libya’s first university was established in 1955 in Benghazi. This was followed by the creation of universities in Tripoli, Mersa Brega, and Sabha. All schooling, including that at the university level, is free. This includes books, school supplies, uniforms, and meals. About 88 percent of the adult Libyan population over the age of 15 is literate. Literacy rates are higher for men than for women” (Libyans)

Popular Music/Artists/Actors in Libya

“In Libya various kinds of Arab music are popular in Libya such as Andalusi music, locally known as Ma'luf, Chabi and Arab classical music. They also have a popular person Hamid El Shaer who sings in Libya and is really popular around the Middle East and small parts of Europe. Libyans really love muslim and Arab music because it expresses them and how they live and how they love being Muslim. Befor they used to be owned by Italy and were forced to not listen to Muslim music during ww2 but when they got back there freedom after ww2 they saw muslim music as a right and freedom that makes them comfortable. This shows what types of music in Libya they listen to” (Libya)

PreTeen/Teen Social Life in libya

“Libya is more like western civilization because they are more of a bigger country so the average boy's life usually goes the same as people in Canada or America's days would go. The boys wake up in the morning but few go for water. The rest have good running water to drink,then most drive to school because 983 out of 1000 Libyans have cars, which is the highest rate in Africa. They then go back home and use the internet and play with friends and the traditional Libyan games like Ta kurt om el mahag and Berber Shinny” (Libyans)

Hobbies for PreTeens/Teens in Libya

“Kids in Libya usually enjoy a western pop culture which means they like watching movies and going on the internet. But Libyan kids love soccer and like playing. It's a fun sport to play when they are bored because sometimes they get bored of the internet sometimes. They also enjoy walks and spending time with family because they are really connected to each other as muslims. This shows their hobbies for preteens/teens in Libya” (Libya)

Sources Fowler, Gary L. , Brown, L. Carl , Cordell, Dennis D. , Barbour, Nevill and Buru, Mukhtar Mustafa. "Libya". Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/place/Libya. Accessed 22 September 2022. "Libya." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 20 Jun. 2019. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Libya/275464. Accessed 26 Sep. 2022. "Libyans." Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of World Cultures, edited by Timothy L. Gall and Susan Bevan Gall, 2nd ed., vol. 5, UXL, 2012, pp. 195-204. Gale In Context: Middle School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX1931400284/MSIC?u=loui92184& sid=bookmark-MSIC&xid=f4e3564e. Accessed 26 Sept. 2022. "Libya." Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of World Cultures, edited by Timothy L. Gall and Susan Bevan Gall, 2nd ed., vol. 5, UXL, 2012, p. 195. Gale In Context: Middle School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX1931400283/MSIC?u=loui92184& sid=bookmark-MSIC&xid=c5cf7b44. Accessed 26 Sept. 2022.

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