Traditional Door Knockers (Al-Siqqatat) of Historic Buildings in the Old City of Tripoli: A Study of Their Aesthetic Functions, Cultural Connotations, and Role in Architectural Identity: Selected Analytical Models

Abstract

This study examines traditional door knockers (Al-Siqqatat) in the historic buildings of the Old City of Tripoli, as an architectural element that combines function, beauty, and cultural significance. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, supported by a field documentation study that included visual recording and qualitative interviews. The study goes beyond viewing door knockers as merely utilitarian tools for knocking, instead considering them a non-verbal visual and auditory communication system. The findings reveal that the designs of these knockers reflect the resident’s profession, social class, and wealth, as well as being linked to values of privacy and family status, thus making them an important element in shaping local architectural identity. The study concludes that door knockers represent part of the collective memory and emphasizes the necessity of preserving these elements within the frameworks of urban heritage conservation policies, especially in the context of contemporary architectural changes that threaten their continuity.