The city which helped propel him into power is now a thorn in Libyan leader's side.
Fifty years ago a young Muammar Gaddafi was welcomed into the city of Misurata which became an important part of his life.
The Libyan leader was educated in the city which played a leading role in the coup d'etat which brought Gaddafi to power.
But now Libya's third-largest city is a thorn in Gaddafi's side, remaining steadfastly in the hands of anti-government rebels.
Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley reports on Gaddafi's legacy in the city that has become a key battleground in the fight for control of Libya.
