TRIPOLI – A series of photos of a destitute home in Tripoli's old city has brought the dire conditions of some of the medina's neediest families to light and interest in the area's dilapidated, historical buildings. Photographer Nader Al-Gadi's collection “The Slums of Tripoli” portrays the harsh reality of a family with several children and their run-down home, as well as visible damage to the old city's walls. The photos posted on Martyrs Square Media's (MSM) Facebook page, have generated a large number of comments, many of which express disbelief that the images were taken in Libya's capital, Tripoli. Others angrily question the absence of the state in helping underprivileged families and also for neglecting the preservation of a key heritage site. After seeing people's responses to the photos, members of the MSM team decided to hold a meeting to discuss ways to help the families and the old city itself. The meeting, held today, was open to the public and many civic groups such as Libya Al Kheir and Volunteer Libya, attended. Al-Gadi believes that waiting for the government to act will take time, and points out that these families have been neglected since the Gaddafi era, when speaking out about poverty was not tolerated by the government. Gaddafi himself rejected the idea that Libyans lived in poverty, making aid difficult to organize. Mohamed Fawzi Shagan from Madinaty: My City, a group dedicated to preserving Tripoli's heritage sites and supporting residents of the old city, says that the current government and local council have been reluctant to act. “We cannot wait any longer, we have to do this.” Preserving heritage and traditions is vital for the country says Shagan, but assisting families comes first, “the people before the place.” – Libya Herald
