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Tripoli in Lebanon derived its name from being a part of an alliance of three cities. It was a one of the 'triple city’ along with Arados and Sidon. As the capital of the North Governorate district, it is the center of administrative as well as business activities. Situated at the north of Cape Lithoprosopon and Batroun, Tripoli is also the second largest city of Lebanon.
Tripoli has a population mainly comprising of Sunnis with the Christians and the Alawites forming the rest of the crowd. Tripoli is connected to El Mina and together they are known as Greater Tripoli.
The history of Tripoli dates back to as early as 1400 BC and it was ruled over by various dynasties including Deleucids, Romans, Arabs, the Mamluks and the Ottomans. These different dynasties have left their individual impressions upon the city in the form of several architectural monuments. They include hammams or baths, mosques and madrassas. Archaeological excavations have revealed the presence of a burial ground and a dock. Remains from the Iron Age, Bronze Age and Roman and Byzantine periods have also been uncovered.
Tripoli's proximity to natural harbors and offshore islands made the place geographically and strategically significant. The city’s contribution to the political and economic development of the adjoining region cannot be overlooked.
It is a favorite destination amongst tourists as well. The Church of St.John, the Citadel, the Taynal Mosque, The Great Mosque, the Burtasiyat Madrassa Mosque, the Al- Muallaq Mosque and many other significant sites draw large crowds each year. There is also a fairground in Tripoli specifically and exclusively designed for the purpose.
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