Four centuries ago, the Ottoman prison held thousands of Christian captive soldiers. Today, the left wing of the building, which is a small reminder of its history, has been transformed into a children’s school. The school caters to students aged 6 to 13, who learn the curriculum as well as Maloof art, painting, and embroidery.
Ruqayah Al-Tawati, the curator of the house of Abdullah Christa for Children’s Culture, explained, “We prepare the children in their training and education for Malouf and muwashahat, significant Andalusi music traditions in our times because most Sufi corners have emerged from the Old City.”
Historians believe that each of the 60 inmates was housed in a cell with a surface area of about 6 square meters and a roof about 80 centimeters below the high school’s height. The cells are now being used for education. Alaa bin Osman, a member of Dar Abdullah Christa, said, “We learn music from Salem Professor, crochet, painting, oya dance, and other dance forms.”
The right-wing of the prison has been converted into an exhibit showcasing Libyan-manufactured goods from the middle of the last century to its end. Nahla Abdul Latif, a pioneering artist, has created a brilliant concept that depicts vintage products and industries for today’s youth. The exhibit’s doors bear the words, “You can buy everything but history.”
Hadia Qana, a member of the Old City Administration, explained that the building underwent significant changes during the Italian era. Floristano de Fausto was responsible for centering the façade and adding arches and a balcony to the building. A church was built between the old prison wings so that prisoners of war could worship there. Crosses still dangle from the locked doors of this church.