Kairouan Tunisia. Kairouan is the most sacred city of the Maghreb in Tunisia. Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Kairouan is a cluster of low-rise ancient buildings of sandy and snow-white colors, randomly scattered between buildings of modern architecture of a wide variety of colors. First of all, tourists are attracted by the difference in architecture, and not by the typical layout of identical gray houses. A sandy-snow-white kingdom with inserts of green and sky-blue window openings and doors - this is what Kairouan represents - the beginning of the Sahara Desert. We will tell you about the features of recreation, attractions and entertainment in Kairouan in this article.
Kairouan is the oldest city in Tunisia. It is completely different from other tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, where hotels are built along the entire length of the coast with windows whose views are directed towards noisy bulwarks. This city is completely different. The local areas of Kairouan are not crowded, and the buildings are mostly one-story. The facades are decorated with tiles or mosaics with colorful patterns or figured compositions.
The pace of life in Kairouan is leisurely; stern people in the traditional Arabic clothes stroll along the streets. The minarets, of which there are at least ten, call religious residents to prayer. This place is considered to be not only the center of faith in the country, but also the Islamic world in particular. It is not for nothing that multiple pilgrimages here are equal to the hajj to Mecca.
City `s history
The emergence of Kairouan according to Eastern customs is surrounded by a number of stories that combine both factual and fictional elements. According to legend, one of the founders of the city was the barber of the Prophet Muhammad himself, and the other founders of Kairouan knew the prophet. Muhammad is revered by Islamists as the Messenger of Allah, because he dictated the message of God, which was later collected in the Koran. In 631-632, the prophet died, and almost 50 years later, in 670, this North African city was created here.
The second story says that during the invasion of the Arab people in northern Africa, the army of the Islamic ruler Okba ibn Nafi, after unsuccessful battles, was in search of a place to rest. The area near the mountains was dangerous, and General Okba led the army into the steppe. Having chosen an area to rest, he dismounted from his horse, and then a true miracle happened: in the place where his foot set, a spring suddenly appeared, and a golden cup appeared near it, which had previously been dropped in Mecca. Confused Okba cried out: “This is it – a sign from Allah himself!” On this great place decided to found a city whose name translates as “camp and caravan.”
How to get there?
Kairouan does not have its own airport, so people get here by bus or minibus. There is also no railway route, so the following method is popular: public transport from Sousse to Kairouan.
By air, taxi and bus
The airport closest to Kairouan is Enfidha, located near Hammamet, the approximate travel time is 1 hour. It is most difficult to get from here: you first need to use public transport or a train to get to Sousse, and from there take a minibus to Kairouan.
The second, next door, is Habib Bourguiba Airport, located in Monastir. From the airport you can take a taxi, which costs 140 rubles, or a bus with approximately the same price to the public transport parking lot in the center of Monastir. There you need to take a bus to Sousse, ticket price starts from 70 rubles. From Sousse you can take a minibus going to Kairouan. Their parking lots are located parallel to the Zitouna restaurant, near the market.
By rented transport
Since Tunisia is located on the continent of Africa, disconnected from Europe Mediterranean Sea, then it is reasonable to guess that it is impossible to get here directly by car. There is a chance to arrange for yourself car trip across Europe to France or Italy, from where ferries depart to Tunisia, where travelers are accepted with transport. But this method is very expensive, so it is preferable and more affordable to get to Tunisia by air and rent a car.
It’s very easy to get to Kairouan by car: there are signs everywhere, so you can easily find your way. You can rent a car in Sousse, Hammamet or Monastir for 2,000 rubles in the off-season, and 2,700 rubles in the resort season. To rent, you need a passport and a driver's license (European or Russian). Roads in the country are tolled (from 40 rubles), but in in excellent shape. You come across gas stations all the time, and most often there are inexpensive restaurants and cafes with shops near them.
Climate and weather. When is the best time to go?
At the end of July, it will be very difficult for domestic tourists, because the heat is sultry - almost +40 degrees. It is very difficult to endure this heat, so it is better to plan your 2019 holiday in Kairouan for the end of May or mid-October. It is not so hot during this period of time. In general, the climate here is more warm and dry than on the coast, so in winter time It won't be cold this year. As throughout the country, the peak of vacationers is concentrated in summer time, in particular May-September.
Autumn Kairouan
Autumn begins in October and ends in December. During this period of time, the rains begin, and the temperature changes in the region of 20-23 degrees. Rains can be both short-term and very long, and too powerful.
Winter Kairouan
Winter here is more warm and dry than in the northern side of Tunisia. On average, the air temperature is from 15 to 20 degrees. It rains occasionally, but there are also cloudless days.
Spring Kairouan
Spring occurs in March and ends in April, when the temperature gradually increases to 35 degrees. There is a possibility of rain, but not as frequent as, for example, in winter or autumn.
Summer Kairouan
Summer temperatures reach +45, and the weather is generally calm. The key peak of heat comes at 13:00 and lasts until 17:00; at this time it is hottest and you cannot stay outside for a long time.
City districts or where it is better to live
There are few hotels in the city, and most of them are designed for local travelers or pilgrims performing the Hajj here. Below are the hotels that are available here, ranging from the most expensive and most convenient to the affordable and therefore not very comfortable.
La Kasbah
This is a five-star luxury hotel located near the medina. Everything here is done primarily in the Arabic style. The rooms are well equipped, cost 10-13 thousand rubles.
Dar Hassine Allani
This is not even a hotel, but a guest house, which is located a five-minute walk from the medina. The fact is that the hotel was made in an ordinary Tunisian house, here great service. This is an ideal option for a sense of local color. The average cost of a room is from 6,000 rubles.
Continental
Three-star hotel in the affordable category. It is located 400 meters from the Aghlabid basin. In general, if we describe this place, it is compared to typical Soviet hotels, but the cost is very affordable - 2,000 rubles.
Amina Hotel
Another three star hotel. You shouldn't expect any extra amenities from it, but the price is reasonable. An excellent and affordable solution for tourists who want to stay here for several days.
Splendid
This hotel is located near the city center. Prices are affordable, quality and comfort are at a decent level. It is worth noting that if a tourist wants to experience the 100% flavor of the city, it makes sense to think about renting housing from local residents.
The price for a room in a 3-star hotel is from 1000 rubles.
Where to go and what to see?
In the city, in addition to its picturesque and moderately clean medina, there are several mosques: the royal Uqba, the Barber with the tomb of the companion of the Prophet Muhammad, the mosque of three doors in the medina, as well as the museum of folk traditions and the Aghlabid pool with a park area. All iconic places located near the medina or in it itself. Of the above mentioned places, only the Aghlabid pool and the Barber Mosque are remote.
Uqba Mosque
The most famous landmark in the city, which is located in the medina. It can be easily found by its majestic towers and imposing, sandy-colored walls. Anyone can attend the mosque, but women must have a hat or scarf to cover their heads.
Barber Mosque
A very interesting place. Just like the Uqba mosque, all foreigners are allowed to visit, and women do not even have to hide their heads.
Three Doors Mosque
Located in the medina, it has a very original architecture. It is worth noting that this mosque is very difficult to find, because it is located near H Chaker Boulevard, which is on a small and narrow street in the Medina.
Aghlabid Basin
This is a large artificial reservoir in which there are no special attractions, but the park is very colorful and fascinating. There are also two small mausoleums here, which are visited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Next to the park there is a tourism office, which offers a gorgeous view of the pool. Buildings located in the distance in the background are displayed in its motionless surface. By the way, there is a tiny souvenir shop right there, where, by the way, you can buy tickets to visit all the key attractions for 350 rubles.
Medina of Kairouan
Very fascinating and larger than other medinas. The surrounding streets are very clean and there are small, inexpensive restaurants and cafes nearby. The buildings are all ancient, with columns on the facades or with the usual Tunisian windows and doors in blue and green. In the medina there is small museum folk customs, which is definitely worth a visit.
Kitchen and food. What to try?
For lovers of sweets, I would immediately like to note the main news. The fact is that Kairouan is considered to be one of the main centers in the country for the preparation of sweets. When entering the city, you immediately notice many small shops that sell a wide variety of delicacies. By the way, the sweets here are very tasty and slightly distinctive. Therefore, the ideal option would be to buy a little bit of everything and try it.
A traveler should definitely try “makrud”, a delicacy similar to baklava, but the peculiarity is the addition of crushed date pulp. This sweet is prepared as follows: fried in a pan filled with sunflower oil, then placed in water mixed with sugar and other spices. In addition to makrud, stores offer many different delicacies, so every tourist can choose a dessert for themselves.
Restaurants and cafes. Cost of visit
The city has a wide selection of establishments serving a variety of dishes. It is worth noting that in Kairouan there are establishments that are accessible only to men and combined establishments where everyone dines together. IN inexpensive restaurants and a cafe, the average bill will be from 350 to 700 rubles, in mid-level establishments from 700 to 1,000 rubles, in elite restaurants from 1,500 and above.
Holidays
Between May 8-11, the Carpet Festival opens in the city, where carpet products are bought at an affordable price. From 18 to 25 August in Cultural center The city hosts the Spring Arts Festival, during which state and traditional music and songs are played.
Shopping
The specificity of the city is carpet products, which begin with knotted ones and end with silk ones. In Kairouan there are many different shops where you can find a product “to your liking”. The cost ranges from 1,400-2,000 rubles. In addition to carpets, the city sells traditional items for the country, including hookahs, ceramics, and so on.
What to take with you from Kairouan?
Carpets, makrud and other delicacies are most often brought as gifts, the cost of which ranges from 350-700 rubles.
How to get around?
It is preferable to travel around Kairouan by taxi or car, because buses and minibuses are not particularly developed here.
Taxi
As throughout the country, taxi cars are painted yellow. The cost of travel around the city is from 100 rubles. It will not be superfluous to observe basic precautions.
Bus
There are buses that go around Kairouan, but they are very old, so such a trip will not bring comfort. Ticket price is from 30-70 rubles.
Car rental
The cost of renting a vehicle starts from 1,700-2,000 rubles. There are car rental offices in Kairouan, so you can choose the ideal option for yourself locally or find the car you want online. Documents you will need are a passport and a European or Russian driver's license.
Traffic in the city is relatively heavy, and traffic rules are sometimes not followed, so it is important to exercise caution. There is also a chance of getting stuck in a traffic jam.
Vacation with children
Kairouan will be fascinating for teenage children, because it is filled with ancient legends, which are educational for the younger generation to dive into. Children of primary or preschool age will most likely get bored here very quickly, since there are no water parks or other similar entertainment in the city.
Mobile communications and Internet
There are three largest cellular operators in the country. The first operator is Ooredoo, this is world organization from Qatar. The second is Tunisie Telecom, and the third operator is Orange. There is practically no difference between them, because they all work according to the same agreed communication standard. Ooredo and Orange offer calls to tourists in Russia for 0.54 Tunisian dinars per minute, and Tunisie Telecom for 0.6. By the way, Internet access from any Tunisian operator will cost less than from a Russian one. Wi-Fi is available in almost every hotel and many food establishments.
Safety
When walking around Kairouan, first of all, one should not forget that this city is not resort area for tourists. In this regard, there are much fewer police on the streets here than in other cities, and it is best to go to the medina in a group, in particular girls. You should pay due attention to personal belongings and park your car only in protected areas or parking lots.
In general, a holiday in Kairouan in 2019 is perfect for families with children and fans of historical and cultural values. Tourists will be attracted by the picturesque architecture and local color.
A little more about Kairouan:
The holy city of the Maghreb (Northern Lands of Africa) - Kairouan - arose in the steppes of Tunisia in the 7th century.
The ruined Byzantine fortress served since 670 Starting point Arab conquests on the mainland. This is the first capital of Tunisia, which at first served simply as a military camp. The founder of the city, commander Uqba ibn Nafi, chose this place, which seemed to him rich in water, for an outpost.
Kairouan is a city where Islamic religious traditions are sacredly revered. Muslims can replace the hajj with a seven-fold pilgrimage to the city and, becoming guests of Allah, receive his blessing and forgiveness in earthly life.
Of primary interest to tourists are Old city and many ancient mosques that have survived to this day. Some are open to tourists, while others can only be viewed from the outside.
Medina
Medina of Kairouan, TunisiaBehind the massive walls of the medina flows measured life The old town, which seems to have remained in the Middle Ages. It is interesting to walk around the quarter with narrow streets and countless alleys, buy souvenirs in small shops, enjoy the atmosphere and see the obligatory blue doors of houses and door knockers at the entrance.
The old town has a colorful blue and white design for all buildings, with many interesting gates with multi-colored patterns on them and unusual handles. An unusual combination of brilliance and poverty.
This part of the city has been completely preserved. The fortress walls stretch for 3.5 km, and the area of the medina is about 54 hectares. UNESCO declared the entire territory of the Old City a world heritage site, and 36 attractions - of particular value to humanity.
Unesco plaque in the medina of Kairouan, Tunisia There is the Great Mosque and small museums, as well as more than 80 mosques from large to the smallest and oldest.
A huge number of shops and shops where the abundance and beauty of local carpets simply makes your eyes wide open.
Here you definitely need to bargain; anything else will be regarded as disrespect for the owner of the shop.
At the old market it is worth buying the famous Tunisian makrud cookies with dates and orange zest. Best restaurants are also located within the fortress walls.
This part of the city can be reached through the Bab et-Tunes, Bab el-Kuqa or Bab ech-Chuhada gates.
Barber Mosque
The building is famous for the tomb of Abu Zama Al-Belawi, who during his lifetime was the companion and barber of the Prophet Mohammed. The name of the mosque comes from a legend that says that Abu Zama never parted with the three hairs of the Prophet Mohamed and took them with him everywhere. This lock of hair was lowered into the barber's grave.
Barber Mosque (Sidi Sahbi), Kairouan, Tunisia This structure is unusual in that there is no common prayer space, and the entire area of the building is divided into rooms and departments. There are madrassas here, and pilgrims will find overnight accommodation in a hotel under the arches of the mosque.
The entrance to the mausoleum of Abu Zama Al-Belawi is open only to Muslims, but the barber's tomb and the sarcophagus, built in the 7th century, are very clearly visible from the outside.
Aghlabid pools
Historians consider the construction of reservoirs of a similar design in the Middle Ages to be a hydraulic masterpiece. Now tourists can see only two of them. The rest have not survived.
The diameter of one pool is 128 m, the other is 34 m. Together they hold 53 tons of water. The large pool is the main water reservoir, the small one is the sump. Connecting reservoirs supplied water to the emir's palaces of the Aghlabids.
Aghlabid Basins, Kairouan, Tunisia It is known that at least 15 swimming pools were built along the entire perimeter of the settlement. Sources located 35 km from the city filled the reservoirs. Water was supplied to the pools through an aqueduct. All hydraulic calculations were carried out very accurately, so a constant water level is still maintained in the reservoirs.
Sidi Uqba Mosque
This is the main attraction and symbol of the city. It is the largest in Tunisia and the first religious Islamic building in the Maghreb. In the construction of all other mosques on the mainland, imitation of its canons can be traced.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan bears the name of the city's founder.
The first stone of its foundation was laid back in 670. In the Middle Ages, the walls of the temple were used as a fortress and protected residents during military conflicts and raids by nomads. The mosque has been perfectly preserved to this day. From the 7th to the 9th centuries, with each new ruler coming to power, it was rebuilt and gradually increased in size.
Sidi Uqba Mosque, Kairouan, Tunisia The perimeter of the mosque is 405, the area is 9 thousand square meters. m. This is one of ancient places services of the Islamic world. Friday prayers are still held there, to which the monotonous chant of the muezzin summons believers from the ancient minaret.
Minaret of the Sidi Uqba Mosque, Kairouan, Tunisia The minaret is a fairly massive structure, 32 m high, with a square shape unusual for Islamic culture. Non-Muslim tourists will not be able to appreciate the beauty of the hypostyle prayer hall, but will appreciate the beauty of the huge marble paved courtyard. More than 4 hundred ancient columns from Carthage and other cities from the time of Roman rule are located in this territory.
Access to the mosque for inspection is allowed only in the first half of the day.
Barutha Well
This is one of the Muslim shrines. Legend has it that the founder of the city stuck an arrow into the ground, and water began to flow from there. The Bir Baruta well was dug at this site, presumably in the 8th century. The camel still walks in a circle, the medieval mechanism turns, and water is supplied to the surface. Believers visit this place to drink holy water, and tourists visit part of medieval history cities.
Well of Barouta, Kairouan, Tunisia It is believed that everyone who tastes this water will come here again someday.
Admission is free, but it is customary to leave a few coins for the camel and its owner.
Three Doors Mosque
This religious building is notable for the fact that men, women, and children must enter here through separate entrances intended for them. The construction was paid for by the wealthy Spanish merchant Muhammad ibn Haruna al-Mafiri in the 9th century.
Mosque of Three Doors, Kairouan, Tunisia Access for non-Muslims is prohibited, but from the outside you can admire the fancy oriental ornaments of the facade, which also contains ancient sayings.
Governor's Mansion
This old palace Governor of Kairouan, converted into a carpet store. The 18th century house itself has been beautifully preserved and has now been reconstructed. There are two large halls, living quarters and a harem. The interior features bizarre combinations of wood, textiles, marble, castings and lattice structures. The house has an excellent terrace with a beautiful view of the city.
Governor's Mansion, Kairouan, Tunisia You can tour the mansion for free, but tourists are always shown the art of carpet weaving and offered to buy one of the carpets.
Hotels
How to get there
There is no airport near Kairouan; the city has only railway connections by road. Therefore, people come here by bus, minibus or taxi.
From Tunisia only by bus, from Sousse by bus or minibus(luazh). You can only get from Monastir or Hammamet with a transfer in Sousse. Buses arrive at a stop near the Aghlabid pool.
All inscriptions on public transport- Arabic script, so you need to ask drivers, naming the final destination. The fare is low, so sometimes travelers use taxi services, negotiating with the driver.
If a tourist gets to Kairouan in a rented car, then we can safely say that he will not get lost. The roads in the country are good, and along the way there will be many signs that will lead straight to your destination.
Kairouan is a heap of low-rise sandy and white houses mixed with houses of modern architecture of various colors. What I have always liked about Tunisia is the variety of architecture, and not just the same type of gray buildings. A sandy-white kingdom interspersed with sky-blue and green colors of window shutters and doors - this is what Kairouan is, which seems to be the threshold of the Sahara Desert.
Translated from Arabic, “Kairouan” means “caravan”, since in ancient times there was a major crossing point for many caravan routes. Once upon a time, thanks to this, Kairouan even became the capital of the country, but not for long, since the raids of nomads from the south began to deplete the city too much, and the capital was moved to the current city. Kairouan turned into a center of trade with the same nomads. Now this is one of the largest cities Tunisia and the fourth holy city for all Muslims.
Is not resort town, because it is not on the coast, but inland. But this does not mean that it is uninteresting for tourists. How interesting! Before going there, we carefully studied its map and outlined the attractions we wanted to visit. There were a lot of them! I had no idea how ancient and atmospheric this city is.
How to get there
Kairouan does not have its own airport, so you will have to get here by bus or minibus. There is also no railway connection, so the alternative options are to take a minibus or bus to Kairouan. Buses also run here from Tunisia.
By plane
The nearest airport to the city is Enfidha(almost an hour's drive), near the city. If you live there, then the hardest thing to get from there is first by bus or train to Sousse (described in more detail in my article about), and from there by minibus or bus to Kairouan.
Second closest - Habib Bourguiba Airport, in Monastir. From the airport you need to take a taxi (2 EUR) or a bus (1–2 EUR) to the bus or minibus stop in the center of Monastir, and from there you take a minibus or bus to Sousse (1–2 EUR). In Sousse you can take a direct bus or minibus to Kairouan. The minibus stop is located opposite the Zitouna restaurant, next to the market, and the bus stop is located near the Aghlabid pool.
If you come to Carthage Airport, near the capital, then buses go from there to Kairouan. From the airport you take a taxi (from 5 EUR, as agreed with the taxi driver) to the bus stop in Tunisia, where you change to a bus to Kairoun for 7 EUR.
By bus
Direct buses and minibuses run from Sousse, but not from Monastir or Hammamet. First, you go to Sousse by bus (0.5 EUR from Monastir and 5 EUR from Hammamet) and at the same bus stop where you arrive, buy a ticket to Kairouan - 50 minutes, 2 EUR). The bus arrives at a stop near the Aghlabid pool.
Please note that the minibus departs only when all 8 seats are filled, and there is a queue to board the bus, so arrive at the stop in advance. The minibus here is called “louage”, and the minibus stop is “stación de louage”. I recently tried this type of transport. In principle, everything is not so scary, only she does not stop until the final destination, and she shakes violently on potholes.
Tickets can be purchased there, at the box office. There is a minibus back from Kairouan to Sousse, you have to pay directly to the driver.
By car
There are cheaper ones three star hotel Continental. It is located 300 meters from the Aghlabid pool (I’ll tell you what it is below). To describe it briefly, this is the style of typical Soviet-style hotels that can still be found in remote towns of our Motherland. But the price is lower here.
Another three ruble Amina Hotel. You don’t have to expect super comfort here, but the price is appropriate. An inexpensive place for those who want to stay in Kairouan for 2-3 days.
There is a hotel a little further from the city center Splendid. It has nothing in common with its name, but for the prices it offers, the quality is quite acceptable. You can book a room here or in one of the hotels listed above at. If you want to feel the local flavor, then it makes sense to rent an apartment from residents; you can look at options for such housing.
There is also the Sabra Hotel, but it is completely for the picky. This is more of a hostel than a hotel: shared showers per floor, small rooms, etc.
You can stay in Sousse or Monastir, and then come here just to see the city.
What are the prices for holidays?
Room in La Kasbah will cost from 150 to 200 EUR. IN Dar Hassine Allani the price will be as follows: 125–100 EUR. The remaining three hotels will cost an average of 50–15 EUR per room per night.
Taxi drivers in the city charge from 2 EUR per trip.
The average price tag in a restaurant is 15–20 EUR per person. In a cafe - 5–10 EUR.
Entrance to the “most touristy” mosques for foreigners is about 5 EUR.
Main attractions. What to see
On the map I marked all the attractions that will be discussed later in my article.
In Kairouan, in addition to its colorful and relatively clean medina, there is the majestic Uqba Mosque, the Three Doors Mosque in the medina, the Barber Mosque with the tomb of one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, the Aghlabid pool with a park nearby, as well as the Museum of Folk Traditions in the medina.
All the main attractions are in or near the medina. The Aghlabid pool with a large park and the Barber Mosque are located separately - you won’t miss the entrance from the large square in the center.
Top 5
The most popular attraction in Kairouan is, of course, Uqba mosque in the medina. It can be easily found by its majestic towers and thick sand-colored walls. Both women and men can go inside, but women need to cover their heads with a scarf or other head covering.
In second place Barber Mosque. I thought it was more beautiful and interesting than even the big mosque. Foreigners can also enter. Women are not required to cover their heads.
The third attraction is Three Doors Mosque in the medina. Very unusual in its architecture, but difficult to find. It is located right next to H Chaker Boulevard, on a small and narrow street in the Medina.
There is nothing special about it, and the park where it is located could be very interesting and picturesque if the locals (judging by the smells) did not use it as a public toilet. There are also two small mausoleums there.
Working hours:
There is a tourist office near the park, from where you can beautiful view to the pool (where you can’t smell the park smells). Buildings located far in the background are reflected in its motionless surface.
There is also a small shop with souvenirs. By the way, you can buy it there single ticket to visit all major attractions for 5 EUR.
And, of course, no matter how you remember medina of Kairouan. It is more interesting and larger than the medinas of Sousse, Mahdia, Monastir or Bizerte. The streets are more or less clean, there are small shops and cafes. The houses are all old, with columns on the facades or with typical Tunisian blue or green doors and windows.
In the medina we came across a small museum of folk traditions, but it was closed for renovations.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Uqba Mosque dates back to the 7th century AD. e. At this mosque there was once a University, comparable in its status in the Arab world to the Paris Sorbonne in the Middle Ages.
This is the most sacred mosque in the entire Arab West. Columns and stones from the El Jem amphitheater were used for its construction. You can read about it in my article on our website.
Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in a large square courtyard, where there is a sundial (which determines the time of prayer), as well as a source of water with cups.
There is a colonnade all around, where you can see carpets everywhere, which were put there to dry (carpets are placed on the floor inside the mosque to pray).
We didn’t dare go inside, but I still looked into the women’s part of the mosque: semicircular arcades supported by massive columns, covered with rugs at the bottom. This is what appeared before me.
Near the entrance there is a stand that tells the history of the mosque.
After visiting the temple, they will try to take you to a carpet store nearby, but don’t give in! There are very annoying sellers there.
Entrance fee: 5 euros.
Opening hours:
- from September 16 to July 17 - 08:00–14:00;
- from July 18 to September 15 - 07:30–14:00.
The second mosque that impressed me is Barber Mosque. It bears this name because there is a mausoleum of a companion of the prophet, who was also his personal hairdresser.
To get inside, you need to go through a small courtyard and a covered passage that leads to another, more beautiful and colorful little courtyard. The first passage is decorated with colored tiles, and its snow-white dome is incredibly beautiful.
The second courtyard is made in greenish tones. From there there is an entrance to the Mausoleum, but you need to pay an additional 2 EUR for entry.
The mosque is open:
- from September 16 to June 16 - 08:00–18:00;
- from June 17 to July 17 - 08:00–14:00;
- from July 18 to September 15 - 07:30–18:00.
Located in the medina Mosque of Three Doors. It is more recent (9th century), and its architecture is not similar to the previous two.
Unfortunately, we were not able to get inside: it is open to visitors only for Muslims.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
I already wrote above about the Museum of Folk Traditions in Medina, but it was under renovation. The crafts and traditions of the Kairouans are presented there. At the entrance there are bright, sky-blue doors.
Parks
Of the parks in Kairouan, the one I wrote about above is noteworthy - with the Aghlabid pool.
In addition to it, the city has a small square next to the Barber Mosque, as well as a park next to the Muslim cemetery. All these places are not very clean, with specific smells, so I don’t really recommend going there.
Tourist streets
The tourist street is Tarek Ibn Zied Avenue. It is the widest and runs right along the Kairouan cemetery.
There are also many shops and cafes located there.
What to see in 1 day
You can accomplish a lot in 1 day if you start early in the morning. We first went to the medina, and from there to the Uqba Mosque. Having escaped the clutches of the carpet merchants, we went to the Barber Mosque, and from there to the park to visit the Aghlabid pool.
What to see in the area
In the vicinity of Kairouan there is an interesting Rakkad Museum. It is dedicated to Islamic art. It is located in former palace President Habib Bourguiba /how can you get there? It would be great if you could describe it in more detail (the name of the highway or the address in general). It contains objects from the period of the Arab conquest, a collection of Korans and ceramics.
Cost of visit: 2.5 EUR.
Working hours:
- from September 16 to June 16 - 09:00–16:00;
- from June 17 to July 17 - 08:00–17:00;
- from July 18 to August 15 - 08:15–14:15.
Food. What to try
Good news for those with a sweet tooth! Kairouan is considered one of the centers for the production of various sweets in Tunisia.
When we first entered the city, we immediately caught our eye on numerous shops specializing in the sale of various delicacies. They are extremely sweet and a little special. It's better to take a little of everything and try different types of desserts.
Typical of Kairouan is a sweet like makrud. Similar to baklava, but crushed date pulp is added inside. They are fried in a pan filled with sunflower oil and then placed in water mixed with sugar and other spices. Too sweet for my taste, but Tunisians love them.
In addition to makrud, the shops offer many other sweets. For every taste and color.
There are also markets in Kairouan, but I don’t recommend going there unless you want to experience culture shock, as it’s dirty and there are cockroaches running around. They usually sell vegetables and fruits there.
Among the stores there are the chains Carrefour, Magasin Général, Monoprix, Aziza. You can buy food and drinks there. Water, for example, costs less than 1 EUR there.
Kairouan has a huge selection of restaurants, cafes and various eateries that offer different dishes. When choosing a place, pay attention to the crowd that gathers there and hygiene (sometimes it is completely absent).
Keep in mind that in Tunisia there are all-male cafes and mixed ones, where both women and men gather.
Budget
Budget places where you can have a meal for just 5–10 EUR include:
- Restaurant de la Jeunesse. A full lunch can be ordered for only 4 EUR! Offers simple dishes and some specific Tunisian ones.
- Restaurant Barouta is located in the same place as the first: in the medina. Here you can also get a set lunch for only 4 EUR. On the menu: couscous, soups, salads, spaghetti.
- In a hotel Splendid For just 2 or 4 EUR there are set lunches: a choice of three appetizers, a main course and dessert. True, the room where it is located does not shine with beauty, but it is cheap.
Mid-level
Among places with an average budget (10–15 EUR), there are such good establishments:
- Restaurant El Brija. It is located next to the Uqba Mosque. The menu includes both Tunisian dishes and international ones.
- Piccolo Mondo- a pleasant place with a covered terrace and delicious dishes.
- In the medina there is Marhaba. A pleasant combination of quality and more than reasonable prices.
Expensive
Of the more expensive establishments, where the average price tag is already 20 EUR, the most popular among tourists are:
- IN guest house Dar Abderrahman Zarrouk there is also good restaurant. You can have a delicious and filling lunch in an Arab house that once belonged to a wealthy Tunisian family. There are rooms in a small courtyard with a fountain and inside the house. They are all beautifully furnished.
- Restaurant Le Flore has established itself not only as a quality establishment, but also a very beautiful place. Especially in the evening when the lights are turned on. Ideal for a romantic dinner!
- Tourist restaurant Nakcha located in incredible picturesque place next to a small park. In the evening they also turn on the lights, so everything around is transformed. The menu is varied.
Holidays
From May 8 to 11, Kairouan hosts Carpet Festival, during which you can buy carpets at reasonable prices.
And from August 18 to 25, the Cultural Center of Kairouan opens Spring Arts Festival. At this time, national, Tunisian music and songs are played.
Safety. What to watch out for
When going for a walk around the city, the first thing to remember is that Kairouan is not tourist resort, so they are not as accustomed to tourists here as, say, in Hammamet. And there are clearly fewer police here. It is better to go to the medina in a group, especially for girls.
Carefully monitor your bag and other things, and park your car only in safe places in special parking lots.
Shopping and shops
Kairouan specializes in carpets from knotted to silk. In the city you can find many different stores where you can choose the right one. Prices start from 20–30 EUR. It is better to buy them in stores or on the streets, since in Kairouan it is very dirty there.
In addition, they sell things typical for Tunisia: hookahs, ceramics, etc.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Carpets, makrud and other sweets (from 5–10 EUR) are usually brought as gifts from Kairouan.
You can rent a car for 25–30 EUR. There are car rental agencies in the city, so you can choose a suitable option on the spot or search for a suitable option. The only papers needed are a passport and a driver's license - European or Russian.
Vacation with children
The city will be interesting for visiting for children of high school age, as it is filled with ancient history, which is useful for the younger generation to plunge into. Younger children will be bored here, since there are no water parks or other entertainment for children here.
(Arabic: القيروان; French: Kairouan; English: Kairouan)
UNESCO site
Kairouan is the holiest city for Muslims in Tunisia and the fourth holiest city of Islam after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. This small town is a place of religious pilgrimage.
Kairouan was founded in 670 AD (50th year of the Hijri - Muslim calendar) - it is one of oldest cities Tunisia. Its founder was the first Arab governor of Africa, Uqba ibn Nafi (nephew of Amr ibn al-As), choosing this place as a stronghold on the newly conquered lands.
Kairouan Map
Exists interesting legend, why the camp site was chosen here. According to this legend, it was at the site of today's Kairouan that Uqbah ibn Nafi's horse tripped over a golden cup lying in the sand, which had been lost several years earlier in Mecca. At the site where the cup was found, a spring began to flow and it was decided to set up a permanent military camp here and build a mosque.
Initially, Kairouan was built as a stronghold to protect the conquered lands from the nomadic Berbers far from the sea, but in 688 - 689 the latter achieved their goal, and Kairouan was devastated by the Berbers, after which the city was restored and it became the residence of the Arab governors of Ifriqiya (now the territory modern Tunisia and Eastern Algeria).
During the Aghlabid dynasty (800 - 909), Kairouan experienced a real era of prosperity. The province of Africa wins independence and Kairouan becomes the capital. At this time, various structures are being built and rebuilt here, as well as the Great Mosque of Kairouan (Sidi Okba) is being rebuilt and reservoirs are being built. During this century, Kairouan became a sacred city for Sunnis and at the same time an important point of transit trade, as well as a major scientific and cultural center.
But the city's heyday did not last long, the cities of Africa fell under the rule of the Shiites Fatimids and in 910 Kairouan lost its status as the capital. In 972, the Fatimids, who captured Egypt, appointed Buluggin ibn Zin as ruler of Ifriqiya, who founded the Zirid dynasty (972 - 1148). In the mid-1040s, the Zirids declared independence from the Fatimids and again made Kairouan their capital. But this time too, Kairouan was not the capital for long.
Regular attacks by the Bedouins of the Hilal tribe led to the need to move the capital of the state from Kairouan to Tunisia. Until 1057, Kairouan was the Tunisian capital, then, at one time, it shared this status with Mahdia and, ultimately, lost it in favor of the city of Tunis. After the capital was moved, so much attention was no longer paid to Kairouan; the city, over time, became fairly empty and developed as a market place remote from the capital for the sale of food to nomads.
Now Kairouan is one of the largest cities in Tunisia. About 120 thousand people live here. This city was and remains the spiritual capital of Tunisia and is considered a holy city for Muslims. There are 85 mosques in the city, with tetrahedral towers of minarets raised to the sky. But the main attraction of the city, known far beyond the borders of Tunisia, certainly remains the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
Kairouan consists of two parts - the Old City (Medina), surrounded by a fortress wall of the early 18th century, and the New European-style city that grew next to it. The medina begins with the picturesque Bab el-Shuhada (“Gate of the Martyrs”). Medina has retained its ancient appearance; The busy Belhouan Avenue, Kairouan's main commercial artery, contrasts with the quiet, narrow Arab streets of the rest of the Medina. Street names change frequently, so most often a street is known by not one, but two names.
The narrow streets of the medina lead to the canopied souqs and the Kairouan market square, where fruits and vegetables are sold in the morning hours. The city has been famous since the 9th century for its crafts - the production of carpets, leather goods (from camel saddles to Arab shoes) and copper products (bowls, trays, vases with exquisite chasing and engraving). Therefore, no matter how you arrive in Kairouan - by taxi or on a tour, you will not be able to avoid the shopping arcades with their products.
If you walk along the Medina city wall to the northeast, the Great Mosque of Kairouan will soon appear. Mosque - object World Heritage UNESCO, it is magnificent in its simplicity, and its scale, rightfully, allows us to call the mosque “Great”. But, in addition to its enormous size, the Great Mosque of Kairouan also has enormous religious significance - it is always full of pilgrims. Many argue that seven trips here are equivalent to one pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, the city’s shrines also include the Zawiya Sidi Sahab, or “Barber’s Mosque,” the mausoleum of one of Muhammad’s companions, which houses a lock of the prophet’s hair. This mausoleum complex was reconstructed in the 17th century (in the style of the Alhambra in Grenada), and consists of a series of courtyards and richly decorated halls, above which rises a square minaret. Unlike the Great Mosque, the mausoleum appears in the opulent architectural style of the Hafsid era, when Tunisia was ruled by Ottoman governors.
A very interesting attraction of Kairouan are the Aghlabid pools. In fact, these are water tanks built in the 9th century by the Aghlabids. At first glance they seem round, although in fact they are 64-point. The depth of both large pools is 5 meters. Ibn el-Jazzar Avenue leads from these pools south to the city wall and the Kasbah, where there are comfortable hotels.
It wouldn't hurt to visit National Museum Islamic art, which is located in the suburbs of Kairouan - Rekkad (7 km from the city). Here you can see one of the most beautiful and valuable collections in North Africa, which is located in the former palace of President Bourguiba.
Kairouan is a small traditional city in Tunisia that plays a huge role for Muslims around the world. But, even if you adhere to a different religion or are not religious at all, visiting the city and seeing its sights will be a very interesting pastime.
Read also:
The Great Mosque of Kairouan - is it really that great, and what is hidden behind its walls?
Tours to Tunisia – special offers of the day
At the intersection of trade routes, at an equal distance from both the Byzantines, who were threatening to attack from the sea, and from the Berbers, who were preparing for attacks from the mountains, in 668 Okba ibn Nafi (the leader of the Islamic conquerors) arrived at the site of the future city and, to his surprise, found in the source a golden cup allegedly lost several years earlier in Mecca...
Kairouan included in compulsory visit on a two-day excursion to the Sahara. It is also available as a separate excursion. The guides can guess how great they are? Yep, that's right. At the hotel, the guide said: “there’s nothing special to do there, and you’ll have it in Sahara.” Guide on the bus: “Kairouan is ancient... (monotone merging with the noise of the bus) ... carpets... carpets... the carpet store is here, and if anyone is interested, on the roof of the store Observation deck, you can see the mosque there. You can take a walk, but not for long, I’m waiting for everyone on the bus at...” Beautiful carpets. The two of us went to the mosque.
I looked at what was written on our Turbine about Kairouan. I looked at what the Internet was saying about him... I felt sad :). Honestly, I was upset. And... I decided not to deviate from traditions, but! give this city a little more personal attention. In fact, I only saw a carpet store, the roof of a carpet store, and one mosque. But the oldest and the very first and the most important. And nothing more... So, an online personal story a little about everything in this ancient city.
...this could only happen in a holy place. The choice has been made. And in the 9th century, Kairouan became the capital of the state. It was luxury city. For a long time, Kairouan was the most important religious center of the country (there are 85 mosques in the city, raising tetrahedral towers of minarets to the sky).
The fortress rampart, restored and rebuilt, stood for almost 900 years. It was built in 1052, then repaired in 1712, and then again partially destroyed (stone was needed to build a pier). Opposite the pools and the Barber Mosque are the triple Tunis Gates, which lead to the medina.
The first mosque built by the Arabs in the Maghreb is located in Kairouan. She bears the name of their leader Sidi Okba.
By the 9th century, the mosque had acquired its modern appearance, but each ruler gave the order to complete the construction of something new. It was rebuilt in 695, expanded in 743, destroyed in 774 and finally rebuilt in 836 by Ziyadat-Allah. Then a series of reconstructions in 1025, 1294, 1618 and 1970-72 (for the 1300th anniversary of the city). In 1972, restorers tried to return it to its original condition (sounds doubtful, but one can only take word for it). Previously, it also served as a fortress in which the city's inhabitants hid from attacks by the Byzantines and Berbers. Opening hours: daily except Friday and holidays, 7:30-14:00, in summer 8:00-14:30.Muslims can enter the mosque through nine different gates. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter through the main gate on Okba ibn Nafaa Street, subject to the appropriate dress code (it seems that you can get it at the entrance. We, apparently, were dressed quite decently). The courtyard is paved with marble slabs and decorated with antique columns (400 in total) of the arcades surrounding it, as well as carvings on 17 portals leading to the prayer hall. The columns and capitals are made from the Roman ruins of Carthage and Sousse (in another source - columns from Rome and Byzantium; according to legend, the columns were received from Charlemagne in exchange for the remains of St. Cyprian). Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the prayer hall, but they can take a discreet look inside.
In the portico in front of the entrance to the prayer hall, Muslims take off their shoes and perform ritual ablutions. The structure with beautiful carved wooden doors is crowned with a round dome (9th century). Non-Muslims are not allowed through this door, but the entrance remains open, and through the doorway one can see the interior, consisting of 17 passages with 414 antique marble columns. The hall is illuminated by chandeliers, the entire floor and bases of the columns are covered with carpets.
The prayer hall contains a wooden minbar, the earliest example of Muslim pulpits; The mihrab is lined with precious tiles from Baghdad. In the 11th century A maksura was installed in the mosque - a wooden fence that isolated the ruler from the worshipers. Among this type of structure, the Kairouan maksura is considered the most famous in North Africa. The construction of the minaret was completed in 836. The height of the building is 104 m, and a biblical fish is depicted on the 128 steps of its staircase. An interesting fact is that Caliph Hisham used a pre-existing site for the construction of the Islamic shrine, which was formed as a result of the destruction of the Christian-Byzantine settlement that once existed on this site. Excavations carried out by a group of Italian specialists in 1968 confirmed this hypothesis, as well as the fact that the minaret has one of the oldest foundations. From time to time you are allowed to climb the long staircase to the minaret and appreciate the beauty of the panorama.
To this day, this oldest mosque is a center of pilgrimage for Muslims in North Africa.
Muslim cemetery. In a Mohammedan cemetery, according to the rules, there should have been no tombstones at all - the grave should be no higher than a mound of dug up earth and a couple of stones, so that wild animals would not get to the body. But later, the division between rich and poor and aristocratic traditions influenced the appearance of Muslim cemeteries. Very wealthy and famous people have mausoleums or tombs at burial, while ordinary mortals have stones in the form of trapezoids, rectangular slabs and semicircular arches. However, they still could not be plastered, painted or decorated. Modesty is the main rule.
Mosque of Three Doors (Djamaa Tleta Bibane). I like the “Mosque of Three Gates” option better. A wealthy Andalusian merchant founded a small mosque in 866. Its façade, formed by three arches, is noteworthy. The only decoration of the portal is a frieze with Kufic writing.
Barbiermoschee Mosque, Zaouia Sidi Sahab. They say. That this is perhaps the most beautiful mosque in Kairouan with the striking architecture of the courtyard and prayer hall. One of the few is not limited in visiting. The Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab was built in the 14th century. and was rebuilt and expanded several times in the 17th and 19th centuries. under Ottoman rule. Here you can see all the mastery of Tunisian ceramic art. Around the tomb of the Prophet Barber, a zawiya arose - a center of religious brotherhood. This is a complex of corridors, courtyards and rooms for madrasah students. The main courtyard is decorated with tiles and stone carvings, and the tomb of Sidi Zahib itself is draped in a green and white flag with images of Mecca. The main rooms, vestibules, courtyards and zawiya passages are all lined with colored tiles, and the interior surfaces of the domes are decorated with exquisite knock carvings. By the way, the real name of the saint was Abu Jam el-Balawi. He received the nickname Sidi Sahab ("companion") because he accompanied the Prophet Muhammad. The Barber Mosque received its name because of the relic it kept: three hairs from the prophet’s beard. It is interesting to watch the pilgrim life inside. There are always a lot of small children here who are brought for blessing.
Mausoleum of Sidi Amor Abbad, built in the 19th century. These days it is a museum. A simple blacksmith is buried here, who frightened the inhabitants of Kairouan with ominous predictions, for which he was highly revered by them. The blacksmith predicted that “three huge snakes, covered with scales and spewing iron and fire, will surround Kairouan with their rings and, finding no defenders, will penetrate the city as punishment for countless sins committed many centuries ago.” Locals It is believed that this prophecy was fulfilled in 1943, when Allied army tanks entered the city's Medina. In fact, throughout his life, Sidi Amor Abbad made furniture and other household items, which, however, could not be used due to their grotesquely large sizes. Now they form a museum exposition and are accompanied by instructions written down from the words of the blacksmith. The mausoleum displays a huge sword that “should protect, but not kill,” a huge key that “only Allah can turn,” and beautiful wooden and wrought-iron furniture. And two huge anchors, donated by the blacksmith to the city, are still chained to the eastern wall of the medina to prevent Kairouan from flying into the sky.
Here I am completely upset that I haven’t seen the work of this “eccentric”... I’m ready to somehow come to terms with the rest, but THIS needs to be seen! It's true?
Another attraction of the city is the aglabite pools. These reservoirs on the city's ocarina were built during the golden era of Kairouan, when the city was the capital of Tunisia. With the help of an aqueduct and underground devices, they provided the city with drinking water. In 1969, one large and one small pool were restored to their original appearance, two more were excavated but not restored, and several more pools are believed to be underground. Now it is a quiet and pleasant place for walking. Well, yes, about the main thing for this paragraph :): The Aghlabids are an Arab dynasty that ruled Ifriqiya in 800 - 909. The rulers of the Aghlabid dynasty bore the title of amir. Beginning in 827, the Aghlabids conquered Sicily and later Calabria. The Aghlabid dynasty fell as a result of a Shiite revolt. So yes, the pools are worthy of attention :).
Kairouan is quite lively these days, but life here is largely traditional. One of these traditions is carpet weaving, which is handmade by local girls. A carpet made by Kairouan craftsmen can be considered timeless. You won’t be able to pass by a carpet store or shop; they will definitely persuade you to go inside, show you how carpets are woven, then sit you down, offer you a cup of tea or coffee, and arrange a demonstration of knotwork. Even if you manage to talk yourself out of buying, it’s still worth looking at. Leather and copper products are also produced in Kairouan. The ancient way of life also flourishes in the small but moving bazaar in the medina. The old city center is the most colorful in Tunisia. The Bab el-Shuhada (“Gate of the Martyrs”) medina is led by several gates, beyond which opens an expanse of intertwined streets and holy mosques. In the heart of the medina is the legendary well of Bir Barut, the roof of which is covered with green ceramic tiles, where the golden cup from Mecca was found. Going up to the second floor you can try the sacred water, which is delivered from the well with the help of ancient mechanisms and a camel. They say the café by the well is very popular. Maybe they could at least make some decent coffee there? :) however, green tea will obviously be good, and it’s better not to experiment with coffee. In Italy it is still better :). And I haven’t tried the local cookies yet! The second powerful reason (after the museum of the wonderful blacksmith) to come to Kairouan. There are traditional makrud cookies made from coarse grains, olive oil, honey syrup and dates. There are several “makrud” houses in the city, each producing cookies with their own patented logo. And on the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, the Islamic holiday Mouled takes place in Kairouan (a feast in which strictly religious Muslims do not participate).
I found two versions of the city's name. One is Kairouan, which means “caravan”, the second - Kairouan was built as a camp for the Arab army in case of retreat and its name comes from the Arabic “al-Karauan” - “camp”.
What is certain is that Kairouan is the fourth most important city in the Islamic world after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. And the fact that the city is attractive is that here antiquity and modernity are very harmoniously intertwined into a single whole. Here you can visit various mosques that are active and not dusty closed museums.
You can get to Kairouan by land transport- on minibuses or buses. And of course, by taxi. In principle, taxis in Tunisia are not very expensive. The nearest resorts are Sousse, Monastir and Hammamet. And the closest airport to the city is in Enfidha (about 80 km). Tourist office ONTT is located on avenue de la Republique, next to the Aghlabide pools, opposite the Continental Hotel. Opening hours: daily, 8:00–17:00. Here you can purchase a single ticket to visit all the city’s attractions for 8 dinars. I also came across information that tickets to some mosques cost 2 dinars. I can reliably say that at the Sidi Okba mosque they sold us a ticket for 8 dinars, of course, a single ticket, which includes a visit to the mausoleum of the weird blacksmith Sidi Amor Abbad, musee Rakkada (I didn’t find information about this letter combination, I just copied it exactly, maybe something for you) that is known), the pools of the Aghlabites, the mausoleum of Sidi Abid, Sidi Sahab and plus 1 dinar extra for the photo.
It seems like it was a bit much. But I got great pleasure from searching for information and creating such a verbal collage from my and not my words. I am grateful to those people who posted information about Kairouan on various sites. I hope they won’t be offended that I took advantage of their opinion. I also hope that after reading (thank you for reading to the end! Honestly, honestly. There are a lot of words and it’s hard to keep your attention) these lines you will decide to definitely see this city. And have a wonderful time wandering around ancient city. Well, the last one, a direct quote:
... Kairouan looks like a city from Arab legends: stone walls with high towers, heavy gates on wrought-iron hinges, Roman columns framing cramped streets and a wind that raises columns of yellow dust into the air. The harsh appearance of Kairouan is reminiscent of countless battles, during which the city practically turned into ruins...
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