The Libyan City of Benghazi 1896: as described by the German traveler Hugo Grothe

Abstract

This study examines the general conditions of Benghazi in the late nineteenth century through a critical analysis of the report written by the German traveler and geographer Hugo Grothe, who visited the city in 1896 and published his observations in the journal Globus. He later presented an expanded account in his book Auf Türkischer Erde, published in 1912. The study aims to investigate the political, administrative, economic, social, and urban conditions of Benghazi during the Second Ottoman Period, while assessing the nature and objectivity of Grothe’s observations by comparing them with the accounts of other European travelers who visited the region during the nineteenth century. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical historical approach, combined with historical criticism and comparative analysis, to distinguish between firsthand observations and personal judgments influenced by the traveler’s cultural and political background.

The findings indicate that Benghazi enjoyed a significant geographical location and diverse commercial activities, supported by local markets, foreign trade, and caravan routes connecting the city with inland regions and Central Africa. However, according to Grothe’s account, these advantages were not accompanied by corresponding improvements in public services and essential infrastructure. His report also highlighted administrative shortcomings, delayed reform projects, and various difficulties affecting agricultural and commercial activities. Furthermore, the study reveals that, despite their historical value, Grothe’s writings contained generalizations and judgments influenced by European perceptions of Eastern societies, as well as inaccuracies concerning certain exploratory journeys. The study concludes that European travel accounts should be subjected to careful historical criticism rather than treated as entirely neutral testimonies, particularly given the intersection of scientific and geographical interests with European colonial ambitions toward Cyrenaica during this period.