Libya: Tripoli – Martyrs Square
Martyrs Square is the main public square in Tripoli (used to be called Green Square under Gaddafi, and before that Independence Square during monarchy, and even before that Piazza Italia during the colonial times). The square saw all the changing events of history – from the fascist Italian regime to toothless monarchy to Gaddafi green socialism to uprising and revolution in 2011 (the latter being really highjacked by mountain tribes descending on the city and NATO jumping senselessly into it). The square is empty by day (it’s Ramadan), and is the center of life past midnight. Italian columns grace the ocean side of the square, while a famous historic fountain is on the other end. The massive Red Fort is here as well. At night, it’s illuminated with weird yellow lights.
