At the heart of Tripoli’s centre is what is known as Souk Al-Hreer, or the Silk Market. The name in itself entices foreigners touring the alleyways of the Old City, as well as Libyan women on the search for the newest fashion trends. The silk is woven in bright and straw-coloured stripes, and sown with silver conductive thread. The cloth is used to artfully wrap what is known as a traditional dress for Libyan women.
Coming out of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Libya's values of hospitality, community and the honoring of elders have been revived into society. Facets of tradition rise to the surface on special occasions like Eid, including the wearing of traditional dress. For men, the Eid holidays are one of few chances to wear Tripoli's tradition on their backs.
It's about this time of year, as Muslims prepare for the end of Ramadan and the Eid holiday that the names of applicants for Hajj visas are picked out of a basket. Sound funny enough? It's true. The allocation of Hajj visas in Libya is centered on a system of chance, a lottery.
I have been warned, time and time again about Libyan driving during the month of Ramadan. While the holy month is a time of heightened spirituality; a time designated for family and friends, what happens prior to gathering round the dinner table are often situations that can be referred to Ramadan temper.
As the country, along with the rest of the Muslim world, settle comfortably in their fasting seats, it is easier for someone who is experiencing Ramadan in Libya for the first time to identify what's unique about fasting in this part of the world. One of those things is the soap opera culture.
A public transportation vehicle in Tripoli, more commonly known as a microo or effiko, is a mini bus, often with a blasting stereo and a young, male driver whose tan line hits the cuff of his left sleeve. The bus tail often rocks as the vehicle maneuvers wildly through traffic. However, the initial impression of the vehicle's durability may prove deceitful.
What people constitute as beautiful differs depending on the physical preferences of the given society. Experts caution against the over-generalization of beauty in science, as Darwin believed that physical beauty, because of the variations of looks across the globe, has very few universals.
Last week’s historical Election Day was the first since before the rise and fall of the former regime’s four-decade dictatorship. The prediction on the street was that the long-awaited day would be like Libya’s wedding; and like the romantic notion, the celebrations across the country proved to be a nationwide festivity of Libya’s first real union with democracy
After the passing of afternoon, also known as the bored hours of the day, Libya's main streets are crowded by shoppers, men sitting in outside cafes drinking tea and smoking hookah, and children in dirt alleys playing soccer, using their own creativity to create goal posts.
Libyans are neat freaks – this is a fair generalization. Households, as well as shops, undergo thorough cleaning routines every morning in the battle against the country’s sandy terrain. The susceptibility to floating dust keeps Libyans on their feet, literally. Though most households hold a large number of family members, the inside appearance does not often give off that impression.
Previously in the Bifocal column, we discussed the responsibility of members of Libyan society to attend special occasions such as weddings and funerals. But, what are the traditions that members are obliged to perform while at those occasions; that, if not followed would be considered an inappropriate disregard of custom?
Nothing has changed in Libya aside from the flag and national anthem. I’ve heard this statement a number of times in frustrated debates, or quoted by international journalists interviewing Libyan residents. Though, the statement conveys a personal opinion and the person’s right to express it, I can’t help but think that, that’s just it.
If you want to take a snapshot of Tripoli culture, learn the elaborate and often complex customs, and discover the role that tradition continues to play on society, then attend a traditional wedding. But, if you want to see the raw social truths that often go overlooked in the hype of celebration, witness a funeral.
Shinu ghadakum? I was asked this question once just after arriving at a gathering in Libya. As I leaned in to greet a woman the traditional way - four kisses, twice on either cheek; I was confused to be asked about what I ate for lunch that day.
To introduce every new day in Libya, even before the coming of light, is the call to prayer. From mosques in separate directions and varying distances come the simultaneous recitations of the Athan, making pre-dawns sound like rhythmic rounds of overlapping melody.
Libyan Dress Part 2 At the heart of Tripoli’s centre is what is known as Souk Al-Hreer, or the Silk Market. The name in itself entices foreigners touring the alleyways of the Old City, as well as Libyan women on the search for the newest fashion trends. The silk is woven in bright and straw-coloured stripes, and sown with silver conductive thread. The cloth is used to artfully wrap what is known as a traditional dress for Libyan women.
Libyan Dress (Part 1) Coming out of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Libya's values of hospitality, community and the honoring of elders have been revived into society. Facets of tradition rise to the surface on special occasions like Eid, including the wearing of traditional dress. For men, the Eid holidays are one of few chances to wear Tripoli's tradition on their backs.
