Attacking Sufi Heritage in Libya

Destruction and Resistance

In the post-revolution lawlessness of Libya, Sufi shrines and mosques were bombed by Salafi militant groups. Photographer Nader Elgadi documented the fear, destruction and the efforts to resist in a series of photographs from 2013-2014.
A man performing Adhan (Call to prayer) on the eve of the celebration of the Prophet's birthday in Ahmed Pasha mosque in the old city of Tripoli.
A man performing Adhan (Call to prayer) on the eve of the celebration of the Prophet's birthday in Ahmed Pasha mosque in the old city of Tripoli.Photograph: Nader Elgadi
A sermon during the evening of Mawlid inside Ahmed Pasha mosque.
A sermon during the evening of Mawlid inside Ahmed Pasha mosque. The mosque also was subjected to attacks in 2013 but suffered only minor destruction. Photograph: Nader Elgadi
Part of the celebrations is eating sweets during the rituals.
Part of the celebrations is eating sweets during the rituals.Photograph: Nader Elgadi
A drummer during a parade for Mawlid. The playing of music and the celebration of the Prophet's birthday is a contentious issue for relations between Sufis and other strands of Muslim.
A drummer during a parade for Mawlid. The playing of music and the celebration of the Prophet's birthday are contentious issues for relations between Sufis and other strands of Muslim.Photograph: Nader Elgadi
A boy with a flag at a parade.
A boy with a flag at a parade. Photograph: Nader Elgadi
An armed guard on the roof of a mosque in a bid to prevent an attack.
An armed guard on the roof of a mosque in a bid to prevent an attack.Photograph: Nader Elgadi
Abubaker surveying the ruins of Sidi Shaab mosque after it was destroyed in an attack by Salafi militants.
Abubaker surveying the ruins of Sidi Shaab mosque after it was destroyed in an attack by Salafi militants. Photograph: Nader Elgadi
Families look at the bombed Al Andalusi shrine in 2013, a very significant icon of the city of Tajoura, in the east of Tripoli.
Families look at the bombed Al Andalusi shrine in 2013, a very significant icon of the city of Tajoura, in the east of Tripoli.Photograph: Nader Elgadi
As a form of resistance, Sufis continued praying at Sidi-Shaab mosque beside the ruins.
As a form of resistance, Sufis continued praying at Sidi-Shaab mosque beside the ruins. Photograph: Nader Elgadi
A man crying during an emotional Dua (prayer) by the Imam on the targeting of Sufis and their places of worship in Tripoli and around the city.
A man crying during an emotional Dua (prayer) by the Imam on the targeting of Sufis and their places of worship in Tripoli and around the city. Photograph: Nader Elgadi
By: 
Stian Overdahl
Photographies by: 
Nader Elgadi