Images of Tripoli's Al-Madina
Al-Madina, Tripoli's old city, is a vibrant and historic neighborhood filled with ancient mosques and churches, gates, and narrow alleyways that are steeped in centuries of history and culture.
Apr 24, 2023
• 4 min read
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — A peek into the charming Durghut Mosque Alley, where a beautiful white street and a towering palm tree create a scenic backdrop for the minaret of the mosque in the distance. This vibrant alleyway is a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike, frequently used to access the heart of Al-Madina. Photo by Radi Dhan
By Radi Dhan, edited by Brian Conley
Join us on a visual journey through the historic gates of Al-Madina, Tripoli's beloved old city. As we explore a few of the historical gates and winding alleyways that make up this vibrant neighborhood, we'll let the photographs speak for themselves.
We hope you enjoy this journey.
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — Bab Eljaded (The New Gate) is one of the main gates of Al-Madina and it’s most recently built in the historic old city of Tripoli. The gate is located on the western side of the city and dates back to February 12th, 1865. Bab Eljaded is known for its distinctive design, featuring a large arch in the wall. The gate was historically an important point of entry and exit for the city's residents, and also served as a strategic point for defense against potential invaders. Photo by Radi Dhan Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — The fascinating story of Bab Aljadeed through the translated text carved on its walls. “On 25th of Ramadan, 12th of February 1865 AD. The residents of Al-Madina requested the Wali, Ahmed Essaz Basha open a new door instead of Bab Znata (Znata Gate) which became blocked in the times of Ali Basha Garamali the second (1831 AD), during the civil war which occurred at the time. Wali Ahmed responded to the requests of the residents by opening this gate. Since then this gate was famous as “Bab Aljadeed.” (The New Gate) Photo by Radi Dhan
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — Venture behind Bab Aljadeed in Al-Madina, where the bustling streets are alive with visitors, markets, and coffee shops. A favorite destination among locals, this is the perfect place to explore Al-Madina’s colorful markets and winding alleys, getting lost in the authentic sights and sounds of Tripoli's historic heart. video by Radi Dhan
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — Al-Madina boasts a diverse network of streets and alleys, with wider reconstructed streets being the favored choice for visitors of Al-Madina due to their maintenance, while locals prefer to navigate it by the alleyways. Photo by Radi Dhan
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — The Church of Our Lady of the Angels, also known as the Anglican Church is located in the heart of Al-Madina, which was built by Italian Capuchin monks in the 17th century. Given to the Anglican faith by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi it now houses Anglican masses. In 2023 a Libyan artist (Shandul) painted on a nearby building a mural titled “The Protagonist”. Photo by Radi Dhan
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — The Church of Our Lady of the Angels is located in a well-known square that bears its name. The square has recently undergone maintenance and features other significant landmarks, such as the Church of St. George, a Greek Orthodox Church, the Eskander Art House, and the historical Banca di Roma. Visitors can explore the unique architectural designs and historical significance of these landmarks while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the square. Photo by Radi Dhan
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — (Left) The Banca di Roma building in Tripoli's old city was constructed during the Italian colonial period in Libya. It was established in 1902 and continued to operate until Libya's independence in 1951 when the bank was nationalized by the new government. (Right) A mural in Al-Madina reads ‘I love the old Madina,” in the background sits Eskandar Art House, colored yellow by the setting sun. Photo by Radi Dhan
Tripoli, Libya – 03/14/2023 — Located not far from Lady Mary Square, is Durgut Mosque, another historic landmark in Al-Madina. The mosque was constructed in 1565 and suffered damage during World War II, but was later restored in 1946. The mosque is also known for its entrance to Al-Madina, Durgut Alley, which is named after the mosque. Photo by Radi Dhan You can use the slide on the image below to notice the development of Al-Madina between 2000 and 2023.