Muammar Gaddafi was born on 1942, in a Bedouin tent in Libya. Since his family did not have a formal education his actual birthdate is speculate. Like any typical Bedouin custom, Gaddafi’s family moved around frequently following the migrations of their nomadic tribe. In his early years he studied at the University of Libya and then began his military career. He was also a devout Muslim and Arab nationalist.
Rise To Power
Gaddafi overthrew the monarchy of King Idris on September 1st, 1969 when he led a group of soldiers against them during an attempt to overthrow King Idris’ government that had been going on since 1963. The coup d’état could be considered successful because it ended Libya’s status as an independent kingdom under British rule and brought about the birth of a new national identity.
Many know Muammar Gaddafi for his eccentricities. He often wore a kaftan and fez, he wrote poetry, he loved football and women. His political ideology was a blend of Arab nationalism, socialism, and Islamism. As part of his socialist agenda, he advocated social reforms to benefit the marginalized. Gaddafi’s government subsidized food, water and electricity, as well as fuel.
The cultural revolution was a period where social reform took place. One of the most significant events during this time was the publication of Muammar Gaddafi’s Green Book in 1975, which contained his political philosophy. The book is based on his third universal theory, which combines socialism and Islam in an attempt to form a new system of government.
Third Universal Theory and foreign relations
Gaddafi’s Third International Theory, created in1973, was the basis for his foreign policy. His Third International Theory rejected Western models of government in favor of a form of direct democracy that would reject all forms of class conflict, including between workers and capitalists. This led to an isolationist foreign policy that eschewed alliances with either East or West, as well as attempts to export this system by force through his Revolutionary Committees.
The Death of Gaddafi
During the Arab Spring rebel forces in the city of Sirte kill Muammar Gaddafi on October 20, 2011. He was captured while attempting to flee the city and was beaten and shot by a group of rebels. After his death, his body was displayed in front of a crowd at a local school. His death ended the 42-year reign over Libya.
The Libyan Dictator Moammar Gadhafi Album includes two banknotes and a coin introduced in Libya during the rule of Colonel Moammar Gadhafi. The album contains a 2002 half dinar note that features the Roman ruins at Leptas Magna, a 2009 1-dinar note that bears a portrait of Moammar Gadhafi, and a 1975 1-dirham coin that depicts the coat of arms of Libya. This album comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Muammar-al-Qaddafi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muammar_Gaddafi
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-12688033
