Alsatoor Archive أرشيف الساطور
This archive hosts a comprehensive collection of Alsatoor's cartoons, preserving his satirical work for global access.
Hasan Dhaimish was born in Benghazi, Libya, in 1955. As a child, he was inspired by his father, Sheikh Mahmoud Dhaimish, who drew pigeons on their home’s tiles, sparking Hasan's own artistic talent. Besides drawing, Hasan had a deep passion for music, particularly funk and soul, which he recorded from shortwave radio stations. In 1974, at nineteen, Hasan arrived in London, intending to return to Libya once Gaddafi was overthrown. However, England became his new home, and he embraced its vibrant cultural scene, frequenting reggae festivals, discos, and psychedelic parties.
Hasan settled in Burnley, Lancashire, where he met and married Karen Waddington in 1979. That same year, he began contributing political cartoons to a Libyan opposition magazine, adopting the moniker "Alsatoor." Despite economic hardships, Hasan's creativity flourished, fueled by his love for jazz and blues music, which deeply influenced his artwork. His style, characterized by sharp wit and relentless satire, was also shaped by British publications like Private Eye and The Viz.
In the 1990s, while juggling A-levels, a degree, and a job at Carlo’s restaurant, Hasan fathered three children and began teaching at Nelson & Colne College. The rise of the internet allowed Alsatoor’s satire to reach a global audience, and Hasan used technology to intensify his critique of Gaddafi’s regime. Despite periods of disillusionment, particularly after Libya's disarmament in 2003, Hasan continued his work, finding renewed purpose during the 2011 Revolution.
In his later years, Hasan's artistic spirit was overshadowed by Libya’s turbulent politics. His dedication to promoting education, creativity, and individuality among the youth remained unwavering. Though Alsatoor became a burden, his commitment to a free Libya persisted, even as he longed to simply paint under the skies of the Mediterranean and Lancashire. Hasan Dhaimish’s legacy endures through his art, teaching, and the enlightenment he brought to those around him.