Kufra District, Administrative district in southeastern Libya
Kufra District is an administrative region in southeastern Libya that contains multiple oases and borders Egypt, Sudan, and Chad. The district capital Al Jawf has hospitals, schools, and an oil refinery that serve the local population.
The district became the headquarters of the Sanusi religious movement starting in 1895, establishing it as a spiritual and social center. Italian forces occupied the area in 1931, ending that era of local autonomy.
The name Kufra reflects the historical presence of the Toubou people who lived in the region before Arab settlement arrived. Their influence remains visible in local settlement patterns and how communities organize life around the oases.
As a remote Saharan region, visiting requires good preparation and suitable equipment for extreme heat and vast distances. The best time to travel is during cooler months when temperatures are more manageable for exploring.
Beneath the desert lies extensive underground water that enables irrigation projects and creates green cultivated areas visible from space. These hidden water sources make intensive farming possible in an otherwise dry landscape.
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