Ottoman Inland Fortifications in the Green Mountain Region: Qasr Al-Ghegab as a Case Study

Abstract

Al-Ghegab Castle stands as a representative model of Ottoman inland fortifications in Cyrenaica. This study provides an analytical examination of the monument as one of the most notable Ottoman defensive structures that retained functional continuity in later periods. Its significance lies in documenting the castle’s architectural features, identifying its historic and military role, and assessing its current condition and vulnerability to deterioration, particularly in view of the scarcity of specialized academic studies relative to its historical and spatial value. The research is confined chronologically to the Second Ottoman Period (1835–1911) and spatially to Al-Ghegab town in the Green Mountain region. A descriptive–analytical methodology was employed to interpret architectural and historical data, supported by the historical method to contextualize events, along with direct field documentation that enabled the recording of construction details and the evaluation of restoration interventions. Findings indicate that Al-Ghegab Castle presents a clear example of Ottoman military architecture in plain environments, allowing the identification of key stylistic features associated with this typology. The restoration works undertaken between 1963 and 1965 reinforced the structural fabric of the castle but introduced partial alterations to the original functions of certain halls and circulation routes. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive conservation plan based on preventive preservation principles, alongside the recommendation to integrate the site into cultural tourism pathways, ensuring sustained protection and promoting scholarly and heritage recognition.