Diving at a depth of eight meters and swimming underwater near the shores of of Zuwara, far west of Libya, is not the only thing that tempts Abu Ajila Qajqouj, 45, to visit that place again and again.
This professional scuba diver is drawn by the mystery and beauty that surrounds the Berber city, which sank 8000 years ago.
Diving at a depth of eight meters and swimming underwater near the shores of of Zuwara, far west of Libya, is not the only thing that tempts Abu Ajila Qajqouj, 45, to visit that place again and again.
This professional scuba diver is drawn by the mystery and beauty that surrounds the Berber city, which sank 8000 years ago.
The existence of Tibuda has been confirmed through satellite pictures taken by a U.S. research center in 2010, after the Libyan researcher and cave explorer Shawqi Muammar provided the center with the coordinates when he lived in the U.S. preparing his doctoral thesis.
Qajqouj believes it is one of the most beautiful places he has ever seen, especially the arches that open onto each other. Visitors can swim inside the rooms inhabited thousands of years ago. The proof of human existence is substantial: jars, lanterns and coronary columns lie on the ground.
The ancient city is just 300 meters from the Tibuda beach which, itself, is about four kilometers to the west of Zuwara city.
Muammar says this place is still a mystery; it has not been methodically explored to determine its real features. He believes what we see is only two meters of the city’s full structure still buried under the sand because of the accumulated marine debris over time.
Hidden by nature
Muammar explains that scientific studies suggest that a tsunami hit a large part of the Libyan coast eight thousand years ago when a volcano on Sicily island erupted, dumping huge quantities of lava over an area of ten square kilometers in the Mediterranean. That situation caused a 30-40-meter tidal wave that destroyed the coasts bordering the Mediterranean. The waters have not receded until this day.
Muammar also states that the architecture in Tibuda suggests a relatively advanced civilization in that era given the open chambers with arches and columns, carved in the rocks and placed on top of each other in the shape of discs. They have holes in the middle, like a millstone. The shape of these arches is also the most appropriate for men passing under them.
“It is unfortunate”, says Muammar, “that this landmark continues to be ignored by the media, and that the Libyan audience has never heard anything about it.” He hopes the new authorities give proper attention to the Libyan archeological sites to avoid losing this ancient history and to prevent these monuments from falling victim to damage and destruction.
Underground history
Yusuf Hilmi, a civilization and heritage researcher, says the mosaic floors on the shore opposite the city indicate the one-time presence of luxury homes and villas inhabited by wealthy people – mainly traders. These floors date back to modern historical periods, like the Phoenician and Roman eras.
Hilmi also explains that this city was influenced by the Capsian Culture, and was mentioned prehistorically by Herodotus who said they had been populated by Berbers, in the area from Al Maya, east of western Zawiya to Djerba Island in Tunisia. Herodotus said they had also been present at Farwa Island, and were lotus eaters.
Apart from this information mentioned by Herodotus, Mustafa Jum’a Salem, a lecturer at the University of Tripoli says, “I do not know any source or reference that may help in the search for Tibuda.”
Tibuda port was used for exporting salt and olive oil, produced by Zuwara, which was known for producing the finest olive oils. Tibuda is an ancient Berber name, derived from the word ‘Bodie’, which means small horse. At present, this area is a beautiful beach frequented by people for recreation.
Wasim Buajajah, a resident of Zuwara, hopes this important tourist attraction receives proper promotion. He believes it has great economic and touristic benefits that may profit the people of the region as a whole. Interest in such an ancient and beautiful place will make the city a magnet for tourists from around the world, contribute to reviving Zuwara economy and enable its youth to create small services projects that achieve profits and provide needed services to tourists.
Tibuda port is no longer used for exporting salt or oil, and its population no longer eats lotus, but a new era in the history of their country has been born. They dream of changing the state strategies to show the world the true Libyan treasures and to export beauty and deep-rootedness, the characteristics of Libya’s history, nature and civilization.
