Khums, Al-

Al-Khums, also spelled Homs, or Khoms, town, northwestern Libya. It is located on the Mediterranean coast about 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Tripoli. The town was founded by the Turks and gained importance after 1870 by exporting esparto grass (used for cordage, shoes, and paper). Modern economic activities in Al-Khums include tuna (tunny) processing, esparto pressing, soap manufacture, and the marketing of dates and olive oil produced in the surrounding area. Al-Khums is also a tourist base for the ancient city of Leptis with its extensive Roman remains (2 miles [3 km] east). Al-Khums has public gardens, Turkish buildings, and sand beaches. It is linked by the coastal highway that connects Tripoli with Banghāzī and Cairo. Pop. (2003 est.) 191,649.