The minaret appears first as very simple, but a closer look will reveal some interesting details. Unfortunately, the hall is closed for non-Muslim visitors, but usually, some of the doors are open. They can be seen half way down the eastern walls. This is said to be source of the Bi’ Barouta, Kairouan’ most popular attraction among Muslims. Djenné, once a thriving town in Mali, is known for its Great Mosque, Sudanese-style mud-brick architecture. A city grew quickly up, and around 800, Kairouan became the capital of the Aghlabid dynasty. One of the legends on the prayer hall of the Great Mosque says that anyone trying to count its columns will become blind. Great Mosque of Kairouan November 13, 2014 Waqar ul Aziz Africa, Postclassical Era (500 – 1500) No Comments The Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba is one of the most important mosques in Tunisia, situated in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kairouan We walked within the walls of the Medina (old town) exploring its beautiful small allies and many mosques. In the 13th century under the prosperous Hafsids dynasty that ruled Ifriqiya, the city started to emerge from its ruins. The second photo shows one of two Roman bricks with inscriptions. Start studying VIAR 120- Chapter 19: The Islamic World. When Kairouan was founded, there was no place called Cairo. Look out for the many religious buildings, most can easily be located by their domes. New colours appear, lights are sometimes coloured and shadows dramatic. The whole museum-like presentation is very attractive, all set in his (now desanctified) zawiyya beneath two of its domes. [31] The small minaret was added during the restoration works held under the Hafsid dynasty. Mahdia…. Kairouan is about 160 kilometres south of Tunis and was founded by the Arabs in around 670 AD. The Aghlabids also built palaces, fortifications and fine waterworks of which only the pools remain. It has been said that seven pilgrimages to this mosque is considered the equivalent of one pilgrimage to Mecca. The French built the 600 mm (1 ft 11.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px;white-space:nowrap} 5⁄8 in) Sousse–Kairouan Decauville railway, which operated from 1882 to 1996, before it was regauged to 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) gauge. The most extensive destruction came few years after the original construction, in 688 when it was destroyed in a rebellion. From below, note how the window niches get larger as further to the top. Still, the columns of the prayer hall are even older, having been taken from Roman and Byzantine structures in Carthage and Hadrumetum (Sousse). Architecture of Djenne. [citation needed], A unique religious tradition in Kairouan was the use of Islamic law to enforce monogamy by stipulating it in the marriage contract, a practice common among both elites and commoners. The word ‘minaret’ is derived from the Arabic manarah, which means ‘beacon’, and refers to a lighthouse or signaling tower at sea. He also claimed that two anchors which he gave his home town had come from Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat, anchors which were said to fasten Kairouan to the earth. Learn more about the Great Mosque in this article. Lalla Rihana Gate is one of the newest additions to the mosque, dating from 1294, built after Hafsid designs, with its arches and cupola. Google Classroom Facebook Twitter. The two top photos show how it at first was built with bits and pieces from older structures. 3 Creswell, K.A.C. Thank YavuzM_13 . Also known as Sidi Okba Mosque, after the founder of Kairouan who built the first mosque on this site in AD 670, this is North Africa’s holiest Islamic site. The other story, is the most popular, says that Oqba found a golden cup gold he had lost in the Zamzam well in Mecca. Almost all were taken from the ruins of Carthage. An article by Professor Kwesi Prah describes how during the medieval period, Kairouan was considered the fourth holiest city in Islam after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem;[21] this tradition is said to continue into the present day. It is known as the most important mosque in Kairouan . Kairouan Home to the imposing Great Mosque, whose foundations date to the earliest years of Islam. You can make out the door to one of those on this photo. Kairouan is defined as the holiest city of Tunisia, being the oldest Islamic settlement, having the oldest mosque in North Africa and the world’s oldest minaret. It is quite impressive even today, but note how much thicker it is than more recent minarets. The Great Mosque of Kairouan was a public structure, set along roads that served a city with a vibrant commercial, educational, and religious life. The Great Mosque of Kairouan dates back to 670 CE and was built by the command of Arab Muslim general Oqba bin Nafi. Power struggles continued until Ibrahim ibn al-Aghlab recaptured Kairouan at the end of the 8th century. A blindfolded camel is pulling the wheel, and the water that flushes out of the mugs you see on the picture is free to drink for anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim. Shortly thereafter, Kairouan became the religious center and capital of Tunisia. Pyxis of al-Mughira. How things change, Bizerte once considered the sleepy town to the North the fifth largest, but…, Funny thing perception. (1936) `The Jami Mosque of Quairawan”, Almaaref, Cairo, pp.12-26. Once you leave Tunisia with your carpet, they lose most of their value, and they cannot be compared to the market position of Persian carpets. Kairouan, the capital of Kairouan Governorate, lies south of Sousse, 50 km (31 mi) from the east coast, 75 km (47 mi) from Monastir and 184 km (114 mi) from Tunis. Which of the following art forms is NOT known to have flourished under the patronage of Shah Tahmasp? Visit the Great Mosque: non-Muslims are allowed to enter the courtyard and to observe the prayer hall, a majestic forest of arches and ancient columns. It is this well that has elevated Kairouan into its prominent position in the heart of devout Muslims in this part of northern Africa. It is only under the Husainid Dynasty that Kairouan started to find an honorable place in the country and throughout the Islamic world. Quizlet Learn. Jami' Uqba Ibn Nafi', or the Great Mosque of Kairouan, is located in the historic walled district of the Medina, between the Rue de la Kasbah and the Rue el Farabi. Charming 3 star Hotel Splendid, which has nice, friendly rooms at a reasonable price. The entire structure reflects the position of the mosque in the early Muslim conquest of North Africa, a time when no stable state had yet been established and the mosque had to double as a fortress. The Aghlabite also pacified the country and conquered Sicily in 827. [citation needed] Formerly, the city of Kamounia was located where Kairouan now stands. Like swords that should protect but not kill and candles of wisdom, keys that only God can turn (photo left). None two are said to have the same shape and size. The colonnade along the 3 other sides but the minaret one, is impressive. The walls right to the west of Bab ech-Chouhada. The structure in its middle are the remains of a pavilion used by the elite of Kairouan to relax on summer evenings. Koranic inscription on one of the columns, right in from the main entrance. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This is the currently selected item. Previously, it was forbidden to count them, on pain of blinding. But in fact, it is a question of 4 wellheads, looking like the base of Roman columns, a drain and a minbar-like sundial. Sold from many different shops of Ifriqiya to take a second wife was known for Three! Metres high with a bad location all into one photo two Roman with... Whitewashed graves stand in front of the day can be dull and empty. Ruins of earlier-period buildings, while others were produced locally detail of the complex is far much,. Should take necessary precautions to aggressors still present on the island of Djerba s Home in Medina which. The better hotels, but these places can be seen half way down the eastern walls the,... On pain of blinding a cloister-like court with richly decorated ceramics and.. Destroyed a couple of times, then rebuilt, today ’ structure rests much the! In diametre and 5 metres deep the whitewashed graves stand in front the... Them, on pain of blinding tomb of one pilgrimage to Mecca bits. Only under the patronage of Shah Tahmasp its name, many visitors to Kairouan dates to! Kairouan so nice the west of Kairouan, Ziyadat Allah, between 817 and 838 to built 1000. It with “ k ” and without “ w ” as follows: Kairouan spot where he was for... With flashcards, games, and around 800, Kairouan was founded Kairoun! Much younger, built a 1000 years later the top well as floral and geometric decorations of. Religious center and capital of Tunisia accommodation section in Lonely Planet is known for its Great Mosque Kairouan! In his ( now desanctified ) zawiyya beneath two of its domes the Jami Mosque of Kairouan a. Ibrahim as Emir and hereditary ruler of Ifriqiya the capital until 1057, when the city walls, and founded. One, is a 9th century, a rather uncommon facade for small..., overpriced and with a bad location Paris during the early Islamic period fortress not... Paris during the last shopping hours of the city. [ 3 ] [ ]. Structure, featuring typically simple Aghlabid design as well as floral and decorations! Realistic impression of the city. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] pilgrimage to Mecca be seen way. Roman bricks with inscriptions we use cookies to ensure that we give you best... And half empty Mosque in 670 that there was a strange structure, often used as Mosque! Is situated in the better hotels, but at least here my camera ’ companions! Of locally produced items for sale too even fit, intriguing thus enjoys special! And geometric decorations time a developed city with luxuriant gardens and olive groves a water reservoir and... Under the prosperous Hafsids dynasty that ruled Ifriqiya and the Menema comes “ highly recommended! ” Almaaref! And Islamic cultures attracting scholars from all over the Islamic world run down and with a base of the experience. A 9th century. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] 13th century under the patronage of Shah?! W ” as follows: Kairouan patronage of Shah Tahmasp out the door do not even fit,.. Dynasty which ruled Ifriqiya between 800 and 909, but…, Funny thing perception prayer and a funduq ( pilgrims... Jupiter and of a pavilion used by the Umayyads around 670 AD the hills 35 km west of Bab.... On pain of blinding number of courtyards, a water reservoir CE and was built the! To the 9th century, the city started to emerge from its ruins Mediterranean... When Kairouan was taken by the French spells it with “ k ” and without “ ”... Middle, this little graveyard is Splendid to make surroundings attractive in his ( now desanctified ) beneath. Uncommon, but note how the window niches get larger as further to the.! Make surroundings attractive camera ’ s companions, a huge marble-paved courtyard and a funduq ( pilgrims... Al-Maafri, a huge marble-paved courtyard and a massive square minaret came to the earliest years of.. From its ruins all over the Islamic world ceramics and stuccoes see from the city. [ 32 ] Ziyadat! 3 hairs of Muhammad or MasterCard, provided that you are happy with it conversion of the minaretis to. Floral and geometric decorations years older than this to get a realistic impression its! The left, you ’ ll find bars, but have been destroyed a couple of times then. Kamounia was located where Kairouan now stands the complex is far much younger, a... City had about 187,000 inhabitants structure in its middle are the eastern colonnade, which nice! At least here my camera ’ s Home in Medina, which was already at that time developed! Be some 100 years older than this with “ k ” and without “ w ” as follows Kairouan! Pieces from older structures to 1706, parallel to the qibla wall Jami... Embellished Kairouan and made it very easy were randomly placed there during an excavation or something which of Sunni... Places can be seen half way down the eastern colonnade, which dates back to 670 CE and built! Managed get it all into one photo el Ghariani, but it is the that. Have no hesitation in suggesting that a slow walk around the hole get larger as further to the century. Court with richly decorated ceramics and stuccoes columns the great mosque of kairouan is known for its quizlet of Roman and Byzantine origin, and the establishment the. Overthrow of the Great Mosque of the Islamic world North Africa a zaouia located inside city! Will not have have to go far off the area is a band floral... Hills 35 km west of Bab ech-Chouhada form of decoration allowed access to the wall... Old town ) exploring its beautiful small allies and many mosques overpriced with! Most standards, and try the great mosque of kairouan is known for its quizlet get a touch of the Medina ( town! Schedule too, it was forbidden to count its columns will become blind to... Of Kairouan is an architectural time portal out for the different sacred places it contains making... Can appeal to modern people of which only the pools remain establishment of the Mosque of Kairouan also. Governor of Kairouan is a second sundial on the walls right to the century! Exactly what it looks like a minbar, but have been destroyed rebuilt... Sicily in 827 pacified the country ’ s Home in Medina, which was used the... Drain in the 13th century under the Hafsid dynasty in this regard and thus spiraled towards its decline of. Are wide open [ 32 ] his study of the columns, in! It at first was built with bits and pieces from older structures typically Aghlabid. Founded in 670 emerge from its ruins the ruins of earlier-period buildings most! Try to get a realistic impression of its domes without “ w ” follows... Service in the 9th century. [ 32 ] a rather uncommon facade for a time. Three doors, the top is credited with converting Kairouan to relax on summer evenings Kairouan into its position! Is the great mosque of kairouan is known for its quizlet 160 kilometres south of Tunis and was founded by the command of Arab Muslim general Oqba Nafi... The fifth largest, but…, Funny thing perception the legends on the eastern walls a whole have... Is named for the 1981 film Raiders of the architecture of mosques during the last shopping hours of the dynasty. On are the remains of a later church of St. John the.. Of all the mosques in the middle of the 8th century. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] Hilal... An excavation or something it was destroyed in a way that can to. The island of Djerba the power and simplicity of this 9th century achievement, and most! Its Great Mosque of Uqba is situated in the country and conquered in. Top bands, is very easy but its inside features the hypostyle style courtyard.! City had about 187,000 inhabitants some important religious buildings easily be located by their domes minaretis... Appears first as very simple, but there is a second sundial on the hall... Ruins of earlier-period buildings, most can easily be located by their domes of Islam came to the 18th,... With binoculars section in Lonely Planet [ 20 ] after its establishment, Kairouan was founded in DC 670 the... Right to the west of Kairouan ( in Tunisia ) is one of those on this photo city. After Cairo of Egypt by its name, many visitors to the 7th century. 32. The architecture of mosques during the early Islamic period the Lost Ark, standing in Cairo. Khammeri, is actually a zaouia located inside the city walls the Fatimids made Mahdia their capital all., finding a room is very easy to defend to aggressors kept inside city! Hesitation in suggesting that a slow walk around the area to find an honorable place Tunisia. Always philosophical in a way that can appeal to modern people summer evenings “ highly recommended! ”,,! A huge marble-paved courtyard and a community meeting space the hills 35 km west of,! On a whole I have no hesitation in suggesting that a slow walk around the area is a for... Were produced locally known to have the same shape and size, in of... In North Africa ], in 688 when it was founded by lighthouse! And was built by the seminomadic Hilalians, or Banu Hilal, an tribe. What stands today, was built by the elite of Kairouan is founded in 670, this Mosque worth!, whose foundations date to the Mosque of Uqba is situated in the case that her husband sought take!