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TRIPOLI
Tripoli is the capital of north Lebanon and the
second largest city after Beirut. Very active, Tripoli is the product of a confederation of three Phoenician cities,
Tyre, Sidon and Aradus, thus the name tripolis or the three
cities. The Crusaders built a citadel there in
the 12th century that still stands on one of the hills overlooking
the ancient Mamelouke souks, the modern city and the sea. The
souks have kept their traditionnal feel, and one can still visit
many mosques, medressas, baths and caravansérails from the Mamelouke
and Ottoman periods. Some restoration of these monuments is
under course and some traditional crafts of Tripoli like soap
manufacturing are being succefully revived. Other crafts have
never lost their vitality like the sweets confection which are
a must to every visitor to Tripoli! |
