Kairouan
It is a city founded around the year 670 by an Arab general as a strategic location for a military post, which later became the largest Islamic cultural center in the Maghreb. Kairouan is a holy city for many Muslims, and is considered by Sunni Muslims to be the 4th holiest city in Islam and the holiest city in the Maghreb, it is said that 7 trips to Kairouan are equivalent to one visit to Mecca. The buildings of this city reflect the clear and unmistakable lines of Islamic architecture. Its walls date back to the year 1052. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, due to its rich cultural heritage.
What to see in Kairouan?
Great Mosque of Kairouan
Built in the year 671, it has more than 400 columns that support the ceilings of its prayer room and inside there is a patio surrounded by countless arches with a sundial. From the outside, the mosque looks more like a fortress than a religious building. The tombs at the entrance to the mosque date back to the 12th century and are impressive for their shapes and striking white color. In front of the mosque is the Mosque Museum where different objects such as manuscripts, ceramics, plans, etc. are displayed. It is one of the oldest mosques in the world and a source of religious pride for Tunisians.
Mosque / Mausoleum of the Barber
This place, according to the locals, is a holy temple since 3 hairs from the prophet Muhammad's beard are kept inside.
Aghlabid Ponds
Located on the outskirts of the city, it is a system of water tanks that have been used to supply the city for many years.
Kairouan Carpet Factory
Tunisia has a long tradition in the manufacture of carpets. It is said that, in the 19th century, the daughter of the Ottoman governor was the first in Kairouan to weave a wool carpet to give to one of the city's mosques. From there, the tradition was perpetuated and Kairouan became the capital of the carpet in Tunisia.
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