Libya

Any visitor will witness tradition and modernity mix on a daily basis in present-day Libya. Along the main roads of the towns and cities, the most modern of Western and Asian-made cars whiz crazily by, as forests of aerial dishes wink at satellites packing television channels from around the world. Yet, in those same places, it is quite common to come across the enormous tents pitched to shelter the various phases of weddings or to catch the gaze of a timid eve as it observes the world from behind the long white robes worn by many women. Dozens of businessmen frenetically plough through the centres of Tripoli, Benghazi, Sebha or Surt, brushing by relaxed narghileh smokers, small groups of old men sit on the ground gathered around a teapot, and barefoot children play soccer in some sandy clearing. Western styles appeal to many girls, while others, donning the customary headscarves, hurry along, all the while staring straight ahead. Still others, younger girls, wear the uniforms required by many high schools.
Over all of this activity, above the colonial squares of the cities and the palm trees gently consenting to the movement of the wind, across the tangle of overpasses and futuristic interchanges and the peace and quiet of the mosques, spreads the reassuring sound of the muezzin's voice. Libya stops, even for just an instant, to remember its identity as that call carries into every space on Earth and in the heavens, reassembling the puzzle of old and new. It is the methodical and even sweet sound that composes the constant soundtrack to this unique country.