The Jewish Community of Tripoli

The Jewish community of Tarābulus—Tripoli, Syria (now Lebanon)—left behind records of its vibrancy. Documents in the Cairo Geniza reveal that between the ninth and twelfth centuries, Jews of Tripoli flourished, especially in trade, as the port city was a major stop on caravan and maritime routes. When the Almohads invaded in 1158, however, Jews were ordered to convert or leave. The Jews who left became refugees in cities including Fustāt (Old Cairo) and Alexandria and relied on community charity.