Tripoli, Lebanon
Tripoli, 85 kilometers north of Beirut, has a special
character all its own. Thanks to its historical wealth, relaxed lifestyle
and thriving business climate. This is a city where modern and medieval
blend easily into a lively and hospitable metropolis. Known as the capital
of the North, Tripoli is Lebanon's second largest city.
Tripoli was founded by the Phoenicians in 800 BC and was
named Athar, during the Persian era it became the center of Sidon, Tyre
and Arados Island (Arwad in Syria) confederation, where Phoenicians met
to debate their important affairs, thus became known as Tripoli or "the
three cities".
The city flourished under Muslims as many of its principal
monuments goes back to the Islamic times such as the Great Mosque and
the Mosque of Taynal (built with elements from ancient and Crusader monuments),
madrassas (theological schools), khans (caravansary), souqs (bazaars),
and the famous Assiba Tower which was built by Mamluks in the 15th BC.
45 buildings in the city, many dating from the 14th century,
have been registered as historical sites. Twelve mosques from Mamluk and
Ottoman times have survived along with an equal number of madrassas. Secular
buildings include hammams (public baths), which followed the classical
pattern of Roman-Byzantine baths and the khan.
The souqs, together with the khans, form an agglomeration
of various trades where tailors, jewelers, perfume-makers, tanners and
soap-makers work in surroundings that have changed very little over the
last 500 years.
Towering above the Abu-Ali River nearby stands the Fortress
of Saint Gilles (Sinjil), built by Raymond de St. Gilles on Mount Pelerin
in the early 12th BC and which was since remade and enlarged by the Mamluks
and Ottomans.
|
