Kairouan

Kairouan

Introduction: Situated in the central-eastern part of Tunisia, approximately 155 km north of the capital, it is currently the fourth-largest city in Tunisia. Established in 670 AD, it served as the capital of the Aghlabid Dynasty from 800 to 909 AD, which helped Kairouan rise to prominence and become one of the four holiest cities in Islam. The city boasts labyrinthine alleys, numerous shops, over 80 mosques, more than 100 mausoleums, dozens of cisterns, and domed indoor markets. Notable landmarks include the Great Mosque of Kairouan, the Mosque of the Three Doors, and the Aghlabid Basins. Tunisians believe that making the pilgrimage to Kairouan seven times is equivalent to making the Hajj to Mecca. Kairouan is a city in northeastern Tunisia, located on an alluvial plain at the southeastern foot of the Atlas Mountains, about 48 km northeast of Sousse. It had a population of 72,000 in 1984. Originally founded as an ancient city in 670 AD, it was the capital of the Berber Aghlabid Dynasty from 800 to 909 AD and developed into one of North Africa’s major political, commercial, religious, and cultural centers. Its status declined after the rise of Tunis in the 11th century. Today, it remains an Islamic holy site with grand mosques, and serves as a hub for wool, leather, grains, and olive oil. It is renowned for its refined “Tunisian leather,” handmade weaving, carpets, and copperware. Tourism is also thriving. The city is connected by rail to the capital and Sousse. Kairouan is an ancient city, a historic and cultural landmark, a sacred site, and a magical, dreamlike metropolis. Stepping into the medina of Kairouan, you’ll find ancient streets and alleys twisting and intersecting in a maze-like pattern. The houses along the roads have snow-white walls and brilliant blue doors and windows, creating a delightful sight. Along the way, you’ll frequently spot the minarets of mosques and prayer halls partially nestled between the lanes, often filled with devout worshippers prostrating themselves in prayer to Allah. The streets are lined with shops and stalls, offering a dazzling array of goods and the constant hum of vendors’ calls—truly a captivating taste of the Arabian market. The city is dotted with temples, earning Kairouan the reputation of the “City of Three Hundred Mosques.” However, the most famous is the Great Mosque of Uqba, also known as the Great Mosque, located in the northeastern corner of the city. It is not only the oldest and largest mosque in North Africa but also one of the world’s four most revered mosques, alongside Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. From over ten kilometers away, the towering minaret of the Great Mosque can be seen, making it a defining symbol of Kairouan. The mosque was originally designed and built by Uqba ibn Nafi, commander of the Arab army’s third expedition. He was not only a brave and strategic military leader but also a visionary governor. Recognizing the need to govern the untamed populations of North Africa, he understood that beyond administrative rule, religion was essential for spiritual and intellectual control and enlightenment. Thus, at the founding of Kairouan, he decided to establish two institutions—the mosque and the governor’s palace. It is because of this mosque that Kairouan has been honored as the fourth holy city in the Arab world. When speaking of the Arab expeditions, one piece of history is indispensable. Since the 7th century, the ever-expanding Eastern Arab Caliphate gradually conquered the Berber peoples of Tunisia through years of warfare, especially during the seventy-year period from 644 to 713 AD. They not only brought Arab culture to Tunisia but also remarkably assimilated the Berbers through Islam—so much so that the Berbers converted to Islam and were fully integrated into the Arabic nation in terms of language, culture, faith, and customs. This era of history is filled with wonder and legendary heroism in Tunisia’s past. It is a source of pride for the Berbers and an honor for the Arabs alike. The Great Mosque of Uqba, built during this time, stands as a classic masterpiece of Arab architecture, culture, and art. The Great Mosque of Uqba boasts a unique architectural style and ingenious layout. Its surrounding colonnaded arcades, rows of stone pillars, and towering minaret create a solemn, reverent, and sacred atmosphere. Being there makes one feel the mystery of creation, the vastness of the universe, and the insignificance of the individual. The holy city of Kairouan is a captivating world, a mesmerizing ancient city straight out of a dream.

Tunis, Tunisia