New Delhi: Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi ruled the oil-rich nation in North Africa from 1969 till 2011, for a long stretch of 41 years. He was the “Brother Leader” of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 1977 to 2011.
His 41-year leadership, prior to the uprising, made him the fourth longest-serving non-royal leader since 1900, as well as the longest-serving Arab leader.
He was famous for his fascination towards women> He used to keep female bodyguards for his security.
He was in controversy for his love affair with his long time nurse, but there were two women with whom he spent his life.
His first wife was Fatiha al-Nuri Khaled aka Fathiha, who was a teacher by profession. Gaddafi married Fatiha in 1968. This was an arranged relationship and lasted only for six months.
Later he married Safia Farkash. Safia Farkash was his former nurse, he met her in 1969 ,following the coup, when he was hospitalized with appendicitis.The couple remained married until his death.
Gaddafi had eight biological children,seven of them sons and two adopted children. Muhammad Gaddafi (born 1970), his eldest son, was the only child born to Gaddafi's first wife.
His sons, Moatassem and Saif, were prominent in government politics. There was speculation about a succession struggle between the two.
Here are the pics of members of Gaddafi's family:
