A captivating cultural evening titled “The Customs of Old Tripoli” took place last Saturday evening at the historic House of Karamanli in the Old City, reviving the authentic spirit of Libyan heritage.
Organized by the Al-Houma Foundation in cooperation with the Tafaseel Organization, and sponsored by Sultan Sweets, this event aimed to highlight the customs and traditions that distinguished Tripoli, and to introduce new generations to the rich heritage of their ancestors.
The evening was moderated by the poet Salah Houdaneh, with the participation of Mrs. Amal Al-Zarqani and Mrs. Naima Al-Nattah, in addition to several activists and those interested in cultural affairs. The evening included an artistic performance by the artist Muhammad Boujrad and his accompanying band, adding a touch of joy to the atmosphere.
Al-Houma organization had announced the event in the Tripoli dialect, inviting everyone to spend a “wintery Tripoli day” reminiscing and the customs of “old folks,” enjoying a “sweet gathering” with warm Libyan dishes such as “Rashtat al-Borma, Qashtal, and sweet potatoes” and of course drinking “family tea”.
The House of Karamanli is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in Tripoli, reflecting the art of traditional Libyan architecture. The house was built in the early nineteenth century by Yusuf al-Qaramanli, one of the rulers of the Karamanli dynasty that ruled Tripoli. After the fall of the Karamanli dynasty, the house became the seat of the consulate of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Today, the house opens its doors to visitors, offering them a rich experience that takes them on a journey into the past, and acquainting them with the lifestyle of its first inhabitants, in addition to displaying its holdings that carry within them a rich history.
