From Ottoman Prison to School

Four centuries ago, the Ottoman prison was home to thousands of Christian captive soldiers. Today, the left wing of the building, which serves as a small reminder of its history, has been transformed into a children’s school. The school meets the needs of students between the ages of 6 and 13, who learn the curriculum as well as the art of Maloof, drawing and embroidery.

Raqiya Al-Tawati, Amina Dar Abdullah Christa for Children’s Culture:

Historians believe that the single cell, estimated at 6 square metres, had sixty prisoners, is now being used to teach children.

Alaa bin Othman, Student of Dar Abdullah Christa,

Built as an Ottoman prison, the building witnessed alterations to its building during the Italian colonization of Tripoli, so that its confrontation would suit its field.

Hadiya Qana, Member of the Old City Administration:

Four centuries, during which the building mutated from prison to museum and school, the church remained in the middle as it is, where it was established so that prisoners of war could worship it, and crosses are still hanging from the doors of this closed church.

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