TripoliTraveller.info

Tripoli City Guide

admin — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:15:54 +0000

Tripoli is a place of natural contrasts. Because of its situation, it can satisfy the desires of the most demanding visitor, offering him enchanting landscapes and resorts, winter and summer, with a combination of mountain and sea. It appears in history at about the middle of the 15th c. Built in a harsh, rocky environment in the plain of Mantineia, in the most advantageous location in the center of the Morea [Peloponnese], it holds countless surprises for the visitor.

Tripoli is 165 kilometers from Athens. Being a military center, it played a leading role in the War of Independence of 1821-1827. Capital of Arkadia, it was reconstructed after its destruction, which was carried out by Pasha Ibrahim in 1827. Since the beginning of the revolution against the Turkish rulers, Tripoli was the first key point for the Greeks in their fight against the Turks. It was under siege and eventually freed in September 1821. During this War of Independence, it had a very important role and suffered many calamities, including the bombing by Ibrahim.

It is worth it to visit the town at many different times of the year, such as during carnival, or during Easter Sunday, when the Municipality of the town organizes a whole feast, with the traditional lamb offered to everybody, along with local wine, and accompanied by traditional dances until late in the evening.

Ben Zeglam Shop

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:51:28 +0000

There aren’t that many souvenir shops in Libya, so if you are wanting to bring home a little memento, this is one of the best places to get it. They also sell the best in carpets, jewellery, pottery, knives, cusions and other craft items.

Something old, Something New

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:50:07 +0000

Keep walking down Souq al Turk, away from the Green Square end, and you’ll come at last to this shop - it’s on the right and is the only one of its kind so is easy enough to find. A small window display leads into a narrow shop with red-lined shelves along each wall. Definitely a cut above the souvenir souq near the entrance to the medina, here you’ll find an interesting mix of old and new. All along one wall there’s a display of old clay cooking pots (photo 1), ordinary domestic wares but with a patina of age and use and in a variety of shapes that is very pleasing. The higher the shelf, the older the pots.

An inner room is a kaleidescope of colour, the walls hung with Berber flat-weave rugs mostly in shades of terracotta, red and orange-gold with black and white. More rugs cover the floor and there are piles of them waiting to be opened out for you to make your choice (photo 2). Coming in a wide range of sizes, they’re both attractive and easy to pack - and very reasonably priced.
Jewellery, metalwork, mirrors and boxes are some of the other items for sale here. The owner is a charming man and you’ll not be pressured into buying anything. Libya is considerably more affluent than most North African countries, added to which many prices are controlled by government decree, so haggling over prices has long ceased to be part of the culture. You may be offered a small discount, especially if you make more than one visit to the shop and are courteous, but don’t expect it as your right as a tourist.

Ghadames

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:48:28 +0000

If you get down to Ghadames and like really ethnic items there are colourful woven straw food covers and Tuareg mirrors in bright woven woollen frames but most special of all are the magnificent embroidered slippers made there by a man and his wife - the only people stil practising this tradition. They’re not cheap but they are absolutely gorgeous.

Ali Al-Tomi

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:46:20 +0000

Ali Al-Tomi’s small shop is immediately opposite the Arch of Marcus Aurelius in the medina - what a view! His photos of Libya are just as special. Beautiful images of Roman ruins and medina doorways, desert spaces and springtime wildflowers, Tuareg and their haughty camels, street scenes and vignettes of everyday life - all Libya is here. Typical of the courtesy you’ll meet everywhere in Libya, there’s no pressure to buy, so do call by even if you just want to look. You’ll find Mr Al-Tomi only too happy to show you his photos and have a chat and, if you do decide to make a purchase, you will have something special to take home from your travels. The prints are all hand-finished and of a very high quality, both technically and artistically.

Al-Makulaat al-Lubnaniya

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:40:31 +0000

Lebanese restaurant serving delicious mains and tasty salad accompaniments. Try the swarma (meat kebab) and baba ganoush (spiced mashed aubergines).

Al Badawi Restaurant

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:39:50 +0000

This is quite a popular restaurant that is recommended highly to tourists who are looking for a great meal. An eclectic menu featuring North African couscous, simply prepared fish and pizza ensures this small restaurant does a thriving business.

Cafe Fahim

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:35:52 +0000

Tripoli, you will find no better example of a local spot than this as far as the cafes go. Fillds with mostly old men playing cards and smoking nargilleh, its rustic nature reassures you of the fact that you are where you are - far away from home. The gritty interior will go perfectly with your coffee or tea. Inexpensive and untainted, it’s definitely worth the LL1,500 for a tea, just to be able to sit and soak it all in. Just be aware though…this is pretty much a mens only joint. There were no women inside and I am not sure exactly what the reaction would be if any foreign ones wandered in. Might as well give it a shot though…but who knows…be prepared for staring to occur.

Abu Hassan

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:35:10 +0000

The decor is a few old posters, the ever-present Lebanese flag and some regulars. But it is friendly and the room is light and airy. The set menu consists of piping hot foul, hummus, soft fresh arabic bread and fresh/pickled vegetables. All the food is delicious and it is interesting to sit and watch the other customers and people passing by while you enjoy your meal.

Restaurant Damoun

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:32:54 +0000

The restaurant is a simple restaurant. Though it may be simple it is has homey feel to it that cannot be mistaken. The staff make you feel right at home and make sure to take care of your every needs. The restaurant serves only mezzes - which is a little different than your average food dish.