Tripoli's medina houses magnificent Islamic monuments including the Gurgi Mosque with its exquisite Ottoman tilework, the Karamanli Mosque, and the historic Jamahiriya Museum Mosque. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the region, Tripoli has been a major Islamic center since the 7th century Arab conquest, serving as capital of various Islamic dynasties. The city maintains a strong Islamic identity through numerous active mosques, traditional Islamic schools, and vibrant religious festivals that reflect its deep-rooted Arab and Islamic heritage.