Soliman city, also known as Slimane, is a coastal town in Tunisia. It is situated at the southwest entrance of Cap Bon, southeast of Tunis. Attached to the governorate of Nabeul, the town serves as the seat of a delegation and has grown steadily over the years. As of 2006, it had a population of 41,846, while the municipality counted 37,749 residents in 2014.

A Fertile Plain and Economic Hub

Positioned in the heart of a fertile plain, Soliman has become a vital center for the marketing of agricultural products from the surrounding countryside. The town also boasts a large industrial area that includes mechanical construction factories, particularly those manufacturing automotive equipment. As urbanization continues to expand, Soliman is gradually transforming into a suburb of Tunis.

Soliman’s Scenic Coastline

A beautiful beach stretches for five kilometers to the northwest of Soliman, located at the bottom of the Gulf of Tunis. This beach not only offers a place for relaxation but also provides visitors with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area.

A Historical Turning Point

On January 3, 2007, Soliman made headlines as the scene of a deadly shootout between Tunisian law enforcement and suspected Islamist terrorists. This event marked a significant moment in the town’s modern history.

The Ottoman and Andalusian Heritage

Soliman’s historical significance dates back to the 16th century, when Turkish soldiers from the Ottoman Empire settled in the region. The town’s name is thought to originate from a Turkish landowner who had a vast agricultural estate in the area. In the 17th century, Soliman saw another wave of growth with the arrival of Morisco populations, who were expelled from Andalusia.

Architectural and Cultural Influences

Like several other towns in Cap Bon (such as Nabeul and Grombalia) and the Medjerda Valley, Soliman has preserved many traces of its Andalusian heritage. This is particularly evident in the town’s layout and architecture. The historic center features a network of narrow streets that intersect perpendicularly, a design characteristic of Andalusian influence. Houses are small, often with a central patio shaded by a tree. Each home typically includes a living space (dar), a service area (douira), and a stable (makhzen). Wealthier families added an extra floor to their homes, and many buildings feature ornate, painted wooden doors. The whitewashed houses, sometimes topped with green tiled roofs, give the town a distinctive appearance.

Mosques: A Blend of Cultures

In the heart of the city, two mosques reflect the town’s rich cultural history. The first, of the Malikite rite, is identifiable by its minaret built on a square base. The second, from the Hanafi rite (introduced by the Turks), stands out with its octagonal minaret. Together, these mosques symbolize the blending of Ottoman and Andalusian influences that have shaped Soliman’s unique identity.