The old medina of Kairouan

The old medina of Kairouan is one of Tunisia’s most preserved and authentic medinas. Visitors get lost in its narrow alleys and succumb to local pastries, especially makroudh segni, the city’s specialty. They haggle in the souk and discover treasures by chance, such as the mysterious Bir Barrouta well and the small Mosque of the Three Doors. The splendid house of the bey is also worth visiting. The historic ensemble has preserved its urban fabric without alteration. Consequently, it conveys the universal value of the property and contributes to its integrity.

Kairouan lies in central Tunisia, 150 km southwest of Tunis and 50 km west of Sousse. With a population of 139,070 (2014), it is the fourth holiest city in Islam and the first holy city in the Maghreb. Founded in 670, it was the first Arab city in North Africa. It became a major Islamic center in Ifriqiya until the 11th century. UNESCO listed its medina as a World Heritage Site in 1988. In 2009, the Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture proclaimed it the capital of Islamic culture.

The Old Medina of Kairouan : Heritage and Urban Planning

The medina (54 ha) and its suburbs (20 ha) form a complete Arab-Muslim city. Its markets are organized by traditional guilds. The city features mosques and other religious buildings. The Great Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that served as a model for several mosques in the Maghreb. The Three Doors Mosque features the oldest carved facade in Muslim art. The Aghlabid Basins, dating from the 9th century, once supplied water to the city. Ultimately, the old medina of Kairouan offers an unforgettable journey into Tunisia’s Islamic heritage