Tripolis of Syria

TRIPOLIS of Syria: Its Harbour being in the Form of a Peninsula, pretty much resembles that of Jaffa, having a vast number of small Rocks or Shallows at its Entrance, which oblige Ships to keep off, and to cast Anchor out of the Road. The City has no Fortifications, the Buildings and Houses are instead of Walls, and its Streets are very narrow. At the foot of the Castle runs the River called Nahar-kadisha, or the Holy River. It has its Source from the Springs and melted Snow that run down from Libanus, and particularly from the Fountain called in Scripture The Fountain of Gardens.¹ The City is watered by the Waters of this River, which the Inhabitants convey as they please, by little Canals, and stop up the Outlets to overflow the Land and the neighbouring Gardens. This City is still famous for its extensive Trade, which is carried on there, for Merchandises which are brought thither both by Sea and Land.

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