The Municipality of Tripoli Centre has launched a public survey consulting the Libyan public on the renaming of two major Tripoli colonial architectural landmarks: Galleria De Bono (1931) and Galleria Mariotti (1950’s).
The initiative by the Municipality was sparked after a huge public debate erupted over the Eid holidays (20 to 23 March) following the completion of the major renovation and soft opening of the Galleria De Bono octagonal shopping arcade using its original Italian name.
The public is split
The public debate questioned whether such a landmark should continue to be named after Emilio De Bono, a colonial era General. He is regarded by many as a repressive fascist colonial leader whose name should not be celebrated.
The holders of this view feel it is time to create a new post-colonial Libyan identity by naming landmarks with modern, more relevant icons and heroes. Others feel that central Tripoli architecture is a colonial era heritage that should reflect its history.
