Corresponding Author: * Aida M. Ejroushi American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR) e-mail: aidaejroushi@gmail.com How to Cite This Chapter: Ejroushi, A. M. (2024). Transforming Historic Sites: the Alteration of Three Landmarks in Tripoli’s Old City. In Nia, H. A., & Rahbarianyazd, R. (Eds.), Innovative Approaches to Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Urban Development: Integrating Tradition and Modernity, (pp. 228-242) Cinius Yayınları. DOI: https://doi.org/N16ICCAUA2024EN0228 DOI: 10.38027/N16ICCAUA2024EN0228 Chapter 16 Transforming Historic Sites: the Alteration of Three Landmarks in Tripoli’s Old City * Aida M. Ejroushi Introduction The old city of Tripoli, Libya, serves as a testament to the city’s rich and dynamic history, showcasing intricate architecture that embodies its multicultural heritage. As one of the country’s most iconic historical sites, it reflects Tripoli’s deep-rooted past, dating back to the Phoenician era in the 7th century BC. The old city thrived as a vital trading hub along the Mediterranean coast, witnessing the influence of civilizations such as the Romans, Spanish, Byzantines, and Arabs, each leaving their cultural legacy on its landscape. The city’s layout and network of streets demonstrate the Romans’ early urban planning. At the same time, its architecture and courtyard buildings mirror Islamic influences and the conservative social fabric shaped by religious and cultural norms. The variety of building styles highlights the diverse ethnicities that have inhabited the area over the centuries. Unlike other ancient Libyan cities like Leptis Magna and Sabratha, Tripoli’s old city (called Uaiat by the Phoenicians, later known as Oea by the Romans, and finally renamed Tripoli, or Tarabulus, by the Arabs (Mattingly, 1994; Talamona, 1992) has remained a living city, known for its rich and diverse heritage and providing a glimpse into its illustrious past. Recognized as part of Tripoli’s historic center and a unique historic site, the old city is cherished for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and role in shaping modern-day Tripoli’s urban identity. The historic value and significance of Tripoli’s old city stem from its status as a long-standing ancient site, with its unique historic urban fabric reflecting the city’s deep-rooted past. Its architecture features distinctive elements and details reflecting old living techniques and connections to various historical events. Despite its importance as a vibrant ancient city, Tripoli’s old city faces neglect, modernization, and inadequate preservation efforts. The main threats to the city’s stability include years of neglect, leading to severe deterioration of its structures (buildings, streets, open spaces) and a lack of comprehensive preservation plans and strategies (Figure 1). Figure 1. Plans of Tripoli’s old city show the gradual extinction of the city’s urban fabric and the appearance of empty spaces due to deterioration, neglect, and inappropriate interventions. Source: Micara (2014). This neglect has caused the decay and collapse of many buildings over time. Throughout the Italian colonial period (1911-1943), the focus was on developing the new modern Tripoli; the old city of Tripoli lacked preservation efforts.