The green door
In a tiled frame.
Franzfoto — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Abdul-Jawad Elhusuni (عبدالجواد الحسوني) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Franzfoto — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Franzfoto — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Franzfoto — CC BY-SA 3.0
Gurgi Mosque is a historic mosque at the heart of the Old City of Tripoli, in the Bab al-Bahr district near the Mediterranean shore. It is part of a group of historic buildings and among the main sights of the city. It is known for the colours and detail of its tile decoration, and its slim white minaret can be seen from many spots nearby. It was commissioned by the naval captain Mustafa Gurgi and completed in 1834. The word Gurgi means from Georgia. Like the Ahmed Pasha Karamanli Mosque, it has three parts, the mosque, the tomb and the school. To the right of the entrance is a room with the tombs of Gurgi and his family. Its architecture blends European and Islamic styles. You see a large green door in a tiled frame, then an octagonal minaret with stacked balconies. Inside is a hall roofed by small domes on marble columns, with walls covered in colourful patterned tiles. This is a place of worship, so keep quiet and avoid prayer times if you are only visiting. It is about 100 m in a straight line from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, and it has two entrances, one on the west side. Dress modestly, women should cover their hair, and take off your shoes on entering. Ask before taking photos inside. Sources say foreigners need a tour operator or local sponsor to visit Libya. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to this area, so check official guidance before planning.
In a tiled frame.
Octagonal with stacked balconies.
Covering the walls.
Bab al-Bahr, Old City, Tripoli, Libya
Old City of TripoliThe Old City of Tripoli is the walled historic district of the Libyan capital, b1 minute walk
Arch of Marcus AureliusThe Arch of Marcus Aurelius is a Roman triumphal arch in the Old City of Tripoli1 minute walk
Red Castle MuseumThe Red Castle Museum is the national museum of Libya, inside the large Red Cast8 minutes walkThis may be possible outside prayer times and in modest dress, so ask at the door.
Mustafa Gurgi, a naval captain who commissioned the mosque, and the word means from Georgia.