Jana News Agency The Secretary of General Peoples Committee  for Culture and Information underlined that selecting Tripoli to be the capital of Islamic Culture for 2007 came in recognition of  the efforts made by the Leader of the Revolution in defending the causes of Islam and Muslims , as well as his ideas and visions that affirms the preservation of  Islamic identity and the joint history for Arabs and Muslims.

The Secretary stressed the significance of participation of all sectors, establishments , intellectuals, creators and all those interested in the Islamic heritage and civilization of the city of Tripoli.

The  Culture Ministers of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference has decided unanimously to select the city of Tripoli to be the capital of Islamic Culture for 2007 at its meeting held in Algiers on 16 the December 2004.

A meeting was this week  at "Evacuation Hall" in Tripoli this week regarding preparations for the executive programme to celebrate the selection of the city of Tripoli as a capital for Islamic culture for 2007.

It was  decided to set up action committees to introduce practical comprehensive proposals and to utilize all available facilities to make this event a success through the participation of intellectuals,  and those interested in culture and heritage from all Islamic organizations .

In Tripoli the  old part of the town retains much of its old-world ambience and is the most character-rich city in the country.

The Assaraya al-Hamra (the Red Castle), a vast palace complex with numerous courtyards, dominates the city skyline. There are some lovely classical statues and fountains from the Ottoman period scattered about the castle. The Gurgi and Karamanli mosques, with their intricate decorations and tile work, are fine examples of the artistic skills of local craftsmen.

The old walled city of Tripoli, the Medina, is one of the classical sites of the Mediterranean. The basic street plan of the medina was laid down in the Roman period when the walls were constructed as protection against attacks from the interior of Tripolitania. In the 8th century a wall on the sea-facing side of the city was added.

Three gates provided access to the town: Bab Zanata in the west, Bab Hawara in the southeast and Bab Al-Bahr in the north wall. The old city walls are still standing and can be climbed for good views. The Harbour Monument stands at the gates of the old city and there are a number of restored houses, consulates and a synagogue in the narrow streets here. The medina is filled with traditional ware including some fine jewellery and clothes, and a very good museum, the new Jamahiriya Museum. The only surviving Roman monument in the city, the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, marks the northern end of the medina.