Gaddafi’s Libya

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National water grid This pipeline is part of the Great Manmade River, the world's largest irrigation project. It carries fresh water from aquifers in the central Sahara to the coastal strip of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica where the population is concentrated. (Luca Zanetti/2002) Luca Zanetti

Revolutionary curriculum Students at a girls school wear a military style uniform. Many of the girls try to get around the strict dress code with other pieces of clothing, their enthusiasm for all things military being rather limited. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Glorious leader One of the many Libyan artists busy painting portraits of Moammar Gaddafi. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Real boss Libya is nominally ruled by the General People's Committee (cabinet), which is headed by a secretary (prime minister). However, Gaddafi has effectively led the country since assuming power in 1969. (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

Women's lib Libyan women have made substantial gains since 1969. There are, for example, female police officers in Libya, but they require the permission of their fathers to attend the Women's Police Academy. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Business under the eye of the leader (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

Glorious past? One of the finest theatres of antiquity is to be found in the ancient Roman city of Sabratha (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

Stronghold The 700-year-old Qasr (fortified granary) with its 400 chambers in Nalut's old town. (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

Photo opportunity In the centre of Tripoli, on a wide, open meeting place called Green Square, a small local tourist "industry" has set up shop. Boys like this one offer to pose with the children of Libyan tourists. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Playing hooky A group of boys spending the afternoon away from school at the beach near the Corniche Street in Tripoli. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

No fear Children in Tripoli's Medina (old town). (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

All working to plan Women workers in a government-owned and run garment factory, busy helping make uniforms. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Eye on you A supervisor in the same government garment factory. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Waiting for travellers The Tripoli office of Swiss International Air Lines. There have been no flights between the two countries since the summer of 2008. (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

Industrial park near Tripoli In 2000, Libya asked local and foreign investors to take a larger role in the five-year plan that will help to privatise its state-run industries. High on the list of priorities are the telecommunications industry and road infrastructure. (Thomas Kern/2005) Thomas Kern

Please... Beggar at the entrances of Tripoli's Medina. Traditionally Muslims are expected to give one-fortieth of their annual income as alms to the poor. (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

Looking for work Tripoli is a favourite destination for African migrant workers seeking a job, most of them illegal immigrants engaged in menial work, supporting the private sector of Libya's oil-rich economy. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Message from the past Berber inscriptions on a wall near Nalut. (Thomas Kern/2003) Thomas Kern

Oil man Between Shell and a hard place (Luca Zanetti/2005) Luca Zanetti

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A land of contrasts and contradictions

On September 1, 1969, a small group of military officers led by then 27-year-old army officer Moammar Gaddafi overthrew Libya’s King Idris’ government. The revolutionary officers abolished the monarchy, and proclaimed the new republic. Gaddafi is to this day, referred to as the “Brother Leader and Guide of the Revolution” in government statements and the official press.