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Gurgi Mosque: Ottoman Masterpiece in Tripoli's Old City

Explore the Gurgi Mosque, a unique blend of architectural styles that serves as a poignant reminder of Tripoli's Ottoman heritage. Discover its rich history and the conservation efforts that ensure its legacy lives on.

In this picture there is a brown and white color building with many windows. Behind there is a...
In this picture there is a brown and white color building with many windows. Behind there is a mosque with green dome. In the front there is a harbor with some boats and cargo. In the front bottom side there is a sea water.

Gurgi Mosque: Ottoman Masterpiece in Tripoli's Old City

The Gurgi Mosque, a historic gem in Tripoli's Old City, stands as a testament to Ottoman architecture and the legacy of Georgian Mustafa Bey. Commissioned between 1820 and 1834, this grand mosque reflects a harmonious blend of Ottoman, Andalusian, and Italian influences.

The mosque, a 16-by-16-meter square structure, is crowned with 16 domes and supported by nine marble columns. It features a U-shaped gallery on the second floor, reserved for worshippers, and a sudde section for distinguished guests. Both the interior and exterior are adorned with tile panels and finely carved stucco bands framing the arches.

Cultural historian Abdulmuttalib Ebu Salim praises the mosque as an architectural masterpiece, rich in ornamental detail. Mustafa Bey and his family are buried in the adjoining mausoleum, creating a dynastic legacy tied to Tripoli's Ottoman past. The mosque's wooden pulpit, removed in 2014 for conservation, will soon be displayed at the National Museum of Libya.

The Gurgi Mosque, a unique blend of architectural styles, serves as a poignant reminder of Tripoli's Ottoman heritage. Its conservation and the display of the wooden pulpit at the National Museum of Libya ensure that this historic landmark continues to inspire and educate future generations.

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