MATCHs e-Manuscript (4)

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND FESTIVALS | AZIM YAHYA

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND FESTIVALS

MAWLID HOLIDAY.
The centuries-old holiday marking the birth of Mohammad, the Prophet of Islam, brought people
together for sweets and festivities but economic hardship made it difficult for some families to
celebrate with traditional treats.

Mawlid is celebrated by all major denominations of Islam, including Sunnis who have ceremonies
at shrines to honour the Prophet Mohammad’s legacy with festivities and songs.
Some of the largest ceremonies in Tunisia took place November 2-10, 2019 in the central city of
Kairouan, drawing about 1 million visitors from around the country, said Ali Ben Saied, president
of the Association of the Prophet’s Birthday.

Tunisian and foreign visitors have chosen Kairouan to celebrate Mawlid because of its historical
and religious importance which makes it a favorite destination for the celebration of one of the
biggest Muslim religious holidays. Kairouan is an important religious destination in Tunisia,
boasting one of the oldest mosques in the world.

Cultural, commercial and artistic events are thus organized alongside exhibitions dedicated to
Tunisian crafts.

A group of Libyan visitors also participated in the Mawlid celebrations in Kairouan with religious
songs glorifying the prophet and messenger of the Muslim religion, Mohammed.

CHAPTER 2: MEDINA OF KAIROUAN | 51

Photos by Ahmed Bedoui

CULTURAL ARTS AND CRAFTS

CULTURAL ARTS AND CRAFTS | DANISH AIMAN

CULTURAL ARTS AND CRAFTS

The Kairouan carpet is the heir to a thousand-year-old tradition, even if its production took
off from the 19th century. This impetus is due to a family of craftsmen, who imagined the
"alloucha", in shades inspired by sheep's wool, with a central hexagonal motif.
The classic configuration of the Kairouan carpet would be due to Ottoman families settled in
Tunisia after the defeat of Charles V in the 17th century.

The Kairouan carpet owes its development to two essential factors. On the one hand, to the
existence of a technical tradition and a mastery of the art of weaving to which many craftswomen
testify. Spinners, dyers or weavers who had long established the reputation of Kairouan. These
craftswomen borrow figures and motifs from their immediate surroundings. On the other hand,
the use of motifs from Ghiordès, Mouçour or Ladiq of Anatolian inspiration by Kairouan families
of Turkish origin.

THE OATH OF KEMLA CHAOUCH:
Legend attributes to "Kamla" the daughter of a Turkish governor of Kairouan the

introduction in 1830 of weaving based on the Ghiode (Ghorza) knot and its Anatolian conception
of Turkish origin.

In recognition of a wish come true, "Kamla" executed a high wool carpet which she hung in
the mausoleum of Abu Zamaa Al Balaoui (Sidi Sahbi). Since the oath of Kemla Chaouch, it is
customary in Kairouan to honor the holy man by dedicating to him the first carpet that each
young girl weaves.

CHAPTER 2: MEDINA OF KAIROUAN | 53

CULTURAL ARTS AND CRAFTS | DANISH AIMAN

THE CARPET TECHNIQUES.
Sitting on her saddaya, the craftswoman passes the weft threads by hand. His fingers alone

tamp the picks. Then, using an iron comb lined with Khalla rings, she strikes energetically and
repeatedly to perfect the settlement.
After tamping, the worker places a row of symmetrical knots that will make up part of the decor.
When the row of stitches is finished, she lifts the jebbad, a string reed, in order to be able to slide
the weft thread again and tie a new row.
PATTERNS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE RUGS.

The ornamental repertoire of the craftswomen is inspired by an old local background. It is
made up of registers where geometric and figurative patterns, symbols and prophylactic signs
alternate. The most common motif in chraït:

Floral themes: roses, lavender, cypress, jasmine and intertwining roses.
Varieties of fruit: apples, pomegranates, almonds and plums.
Animal themes: birds, snakes, the footprints of camels and lions.
The themes of daily life: chests, boxes, boxes, medals, watches, ewers and boats, guns, slippers.
The theme of cakes: makroudh and ghraiba
Prophylactic symbols: the fish, the hand of Fatma, the patterns of brides, the moons

55 | CHAPTER 2: MEDINA OF KAIROUAN

CULTURAL ARTS AND CRAFTS | DANISH AIMAN

Photos by Ahmed Bedoui
CHAPTER 2: MEDINA OF KAIROUAN | 55

TRADITIONAL CLOTHES | ALIAA SYAKIMAH

SEFSARI.

With the emancipation of the woman Haïk
(authentically to the city of Kairouan) disappears
more and more (too much cumbersome) and
gradually becomes almost non-existent leaving the
place to immense Sefsari- women scarf of the
natural silk generally (white or yellow). The aim is
always the same one to cover themselves and
protect themselves from the bad weather and
mainly from the glances.

Some “sefsari” of lower quality are manufactured
starting from Nylon (synthetic) of 6m X 2,20m which
wraps all the body when they go out (more practical).

Weaving can be made with : “swabeaâ” (fingers),
“felaya” (fine comb) “nekhil” (palm trees). It is a
traditional vestimentary mode which dissapears out
more and more. Nowadays, it is still carried by the
women of a certain age.

Photo from CarthageMagazine

TRADITIONAL CLOTHES

Photo by Wael Bouyahya TRADITIONAL CLOTHES | NUR AMIRAH

TARAYOUN.
"Traditional wedding clothes"

In Kairouan, The costume of the henna, kiswa
tarayoun dates from the end of the 20th century and
is composed of an embroidered black velvet bolero,
velvet pants (or other) and two bands (of the same
velvet as the bolero) adorning the legs on the front.
The traditional “Tarayoun” dress of Kairouan closely
resembles the “Kabous Gharek” costume of Tunis.
But here “the Blouza” is replaced by a black velvet
bolero adorned with gilded silver thread, worn over
“Kabous Gharek” pants cut in a beautiful brocaded
silk with two wide bands of the same black velvet
edged as the bolero.

CHAPTER 2: MEDINA OF KAIROUAN | 57

Chapter 3:

MEDINA OF
SOUSSE

Ribat Sousse

Photo by Christian Manhart

INTRODUCTION | SUFI HUMAIRAH

INTRODUCTION

Key Plan Location Plan
N.T.S. N.T.S.

Sousse is situated 140 kilometres south of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, and enjoys an enviable climate, with an
average temperature of twenty four degrees Celsius. The Medina of Sousse is a Medina quarter in Sousse, Tunisia.
The Medina comprises a number of heritage buildings with typical example of the architecture of the early
centuries of Islam in Maghreb and was appointed to be under UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 as they
managed to fulfill the criterions as follows:

1.Criterion (iii): With the Ribat, the Kasbah, ramparts, Bou Ftata Mosque and the Great Mosque, the Medina of
Sousse bears exceptional witness to the civilization of the first centuries of the Hegira;

2.Criterion (iv): Ribat Sousse as an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural that illustrates a
significant stage in human history

3.Criterion (v): The Medina of Sousse constitutes an outstanding example of Arabo-Muslim and Mediterranean
architecture that reflects a particular traditional way of life.

Sousse was an important commercial and military port during the Aghlabid period in 800 until 909 and was a part
of a coastal defence system in the past. The past events had a great influence on the architecture in Medina of
Sousse as stated in the first criterion.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 61

HISTORY

11TH CENTURY BC Sousse was founded by Phonecians at the end of 10th
(1000) century shortly after the foundation of Utica in 12th
Century.
Phonecians
The phoenicians develop a busy trading port called
9TH CENTURY BC Hadrumetum - most dynamic and prosperous cities in
(814) the Carthaginian Empire.

Carthage Hadrumetum fell under Roman rule after Punic wars
and destruction of Carthage.
2ND CENTURY BC
(146) Hadrumetum became one of the busiest, richest cities
on the south coast of the Mediterranean during the
Roman reign of Caesar Augustus.

1ST - 2ND CENTURY BC Hadrumetum became the capital of Byzacena, a province
(100 - 200) which at that time covered the centre of modern Tunisia
under the reign of Diocletian.
Caesar Augustus
Hadrumetum fell to the Byzantines, who renamed it to
4TH CENTURY AD Justiniapolis in honour of the emperor Justinian
(300 )

Diocletian

6TH CENTURY AD
(535)

Vandals

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 62

HISTORY

7TH CENTURY AD The city was conquered by the Arabs who gave it its
(650) present name, Sousse. Under the Aghlabids it became the
seaport for their capital Kairouan, a period in which
Arabs several monuments were built such as the Ribat.

12TH CENTURY AD Sousse rose under the Zirids, after the decline of the city
(1100) under Fatimids.
Sousse underwent successive periods of revival and
Zirids decline under the Almohads, the Hafsids, the Normans
of Sicily and the Spaniards.
17TH - 18TH CENTURY AD
(1600 - 1881) Under Turkish domination, Sousse became a den of
privateers committing acts of piracy on the
Turkish Mediterranean Sea, for which it earned reprisals from
the European states.
21ST CENTURY AD This situation continued until the establishment of the
(2000) French Protectorate in Tunisia in 1881.

World War II Sousse enjoyed a new lease of life but was later
interrupted by the bombing and severe damage it
suffered during World War II.
Sousse then became one of the focal points in the fight
against French colonialism, which culminated in the
independence of Tunisia in 1956

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 63

PERMEABILITY| AHMAD FIRDAUS

ACCESSIBILITY. Medina of Sousse represent the Islamic
City with its characteristics which are: The Great
Moosque of Sousse, Souqs, Ribat, Muslim quarters
residential area, Kasbah Wall surrounding the city, and
the Babs. The Babs consist of Bab al Bahr (Gate of the
Sea), Bab al Qibli (Eastern Gate), Bab al Gharbi (Western
Gate), Bab Jadid (New Gate), Bab al Jebli (North Gate),
and Bab al Finga (Gate of the Guillotine).

Street network: Road hierarchy
Exterior: The new town of Sousse used to be the
cemetery and olive orchard

STREET NETWORK. The hierarchy of roads is
determined to enable the residential areas to be
functioning in specific areas. The roads of Medina
Sousse in the commercial area: Souq Er-Rebba, are
larger than the one in residential areas. The road in the
residential areas are winding and the doors of two
opposite houses are interspersed to preserve intimacy.

The distinguish road width that existed has divided the
medina into three main axes: A covered central part,
known as Souq Er Rebba, the lower part of it was
occupied by clothing stores. The second axis is the
extension of Souq Er Rebba towards Bab al Gharbi were
workshops for sieve, cauldrons, olive wood, etc. Finally,
the third axis is located in the continuity of Souk Er
Rebba towards Bab al Jadid were occupied by grocery
stores that remained until today.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 65

URBAN FABRIC. The medina's constituent core is made up of Urban Landmarks,
Souqs, and Patio Houses that are organized according to a planned urban fabric.

During colonial times, Sousse was the second most important city in the country after
the capital, Tunis. This flourishing situation was and remains to this day thanks to the
souqier center of the Medina.

This center which is in the lower part of the Medina, between the Sofra and the Great
Mosque, represents the point of intersection of the two main axes: the West-East axis
and the North-South axis. The first axis, East-West, connects Bab Al Gharbi to Al Jedid
and the second, North-South, connects Bab Al Kebli to Bab Bhar.

This axes generates three zones:

The Commercial area: Commercial activities are mainly distributed along the
main North-South and East-West routes.

The Ribat / Great Mosque religious pole: The pole has an eccentric position.

The Residential zone: Organisation of the old medina is followed by the hierarchy
of roads allowing to put the residential functions in specific areas.

Primary road PERMEABILITY
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Souq road
Residential Area

Location Plan
N.T.S.

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS| AHMAD BAIHAQI Location Plan
N.T.S.
Ribat of Sousse

Oldest fortress in Medina

Zaoui Zakkak

Historical Mosque

Dar-Esid Museum

Aristocrats house made into
Museum

The Great Mosque of
Sousse

The Oldest Mosque in Sousse

Musee El Kobba

Museum of Arts and Traditions

Bou Ftata Mosque

Historical Mosque

Sousse Archeological
Museum

Archeological Museum famous
for its roman mosaics

HISTORICAL LANDMARK

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

RIBAT SOUSSE. The appearance of Ribat of Sousse sends the visitors back into the Middle Ages era in
North Africa, at the time of the rivalry between the Byzantine empire and the new Muslim empire. More
than eleven centuries ago, a community of religious Muslims who lived in seclusion settled on the shore
of Tunisia, near the new capital of Kairouan which was founded a hundred years before. The Muslims
then constructed a small fortification to defend the coastline from the Byzantine attacks. The fort is
known as the Ribat of Sousse, both the oldest and most typical surviving example of the ribat typology as
it existed in medieval North Africa. Ribats were typically simple and design and mostly unadorned, due
to their main function as a military fortification.

The design of ribat in Sousse strongly influenced later madrasa design in the region, prefiguring the
arrangement of multiple levels of cells for provisions and arches surrounding a central courtyard. While
on the upper floor, there are room for the Muslims ascetics and a small hall for prayers which is
considered the oldest in the entire Muslim world. The most spectacular design of the ribat is the tall
watchtower. At the time, it functioned as a medium of communication by using light signals. Today, the
watchtower can be climbed for the people to enjoy the wonderful panorama across the whole Medina of
Sousse, a World Heritage Site since 1988.

THE GREAT MOSQUE OF SOUSSE. The Great Mosque of Sousse is a historical mosque located in the
Medina of Sousse, Tunisia. It was constructed during the rule of Aghlabid Dynasty under the commission
by Amir Abu al-’Abbas Muhammad al-Aghlabi. The mosque went under renovation and improvisation
several times during the 10th and 17th centuries AD. Finally, in 1988, it was listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site as a part of Medina of Sousse.

At first sight, the Great Mosque of Sousse possesses the appearance of a fortress. Built entirely of stone
material, it does not have a minaret like the usual design of a mosque, so the call to prayer was probably
made from the top of the tower arising from the northeast corner of the complex. The architectural and
decorative motifs used were the inscription of Kufic characters sculpted in relief from the stone and
extending in a long horizontal line, some of the motifs were taken from the Kairouanese decorative
repertoire. The Great Mosque is surrounded by shop alleyways where visitors can stop by after visiting
the historical place.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 68

BOU FTATA MOSQUE. The Bou Ftata Mosque is located Bou Ftata Mosque
in the far south of the medina in Medina of Sousse,
Tunisia. The Mosque was constructed during the reign Photo by S. Vannini
of Emir Abu Iqal in 838-841 and served as a model for
the Great Mosque of Sousse, built twenty years later. Ribat Sousse

The architectural design was greatly influenced by the Photo by Lluis Satorre Gonzalez
Andalusian, which emerged in Maghreb from the 11th
century under the Almoravids (1056-1147) and then the
Almohads (1130-1269).

The architecture occupies an important place in the
Ifriqiyan art as it was imitated in the al-Qasaba and
Zitouna mosques in Tunis. In addition, it boasts the
first inscription ever to appear on a facade in Ifriqiya,
prefiguring the one on the Ibn Khayrun mosque in
Kairouan. On the western façade, the inscription in
Kufic says: “In the name of God the Kind and Merciful.”
While in northern façade, “Blessing and mercy to al-
Aghlab ibn Abraham ordered this mosque built
wherein to invoke the name of God, by the hands of …,
the client of Emir…”

Its austere architecture was influenced by the other
Sahelian religious architecture, like the Great Mosques
of Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdiyya.

HISTORICAL LANDMARK

The Great Mosque of Sousse HISTORICAL LANDMARKS| NAEMATUL MUNIRAH

Photo by Bernard Gagnon DAR ESID MUSEUM. The Dar Essid Museum is a
charming little art museum set in a traditional old
Sousse Archeological Museum Tunisian house. Located in Medina of Sousse, the
edifice belonged to a family of aristocrats. The style of
Photo by Yamen building centers around a courtyard from which a
person can access all the rooms. The museum
retraces the daily life in Sousse in the 18th and 19th
centuries as they are amazingly decorated with
furniture from the past, up to 200 years old. The
pinnacle of the visit to this museum is the tower built
to watch the stars for the onset of Ramadan, and from
which nowadays one can get to see the fantastic
panoramic views of the Sousse city.

SOUSSE ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. It was founded
in the 11th century AD and established in 1951. In
2012, the Museum was opened to the public after the
collections were rearranged and the building was
refurbished. The Archaeological Museum possesses
some marble statues and the second largest collection
of mosaics from the Romans in the world. Some of the
collections include local pottery from Greece, oil
lamps, and some marble funerary epitaphs engraved
in Greek and Latin languages, richly coloredRibmaot sSaoiucsse
that depicts the history suchPhaosto boynLeluisofSatNorerpetGuonnez,alez
Byzantine era, Punic, Christian, and a lot more. The
multilingual labelings ease the visitors to understand
and indulge in the history depicted from the
collections.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 70

Kalaout el Kobba KALAOUT EL KOUBBA. Museum Kalaat El Koubba was
built approximately in the X-XI centuries and can be
Photo by Fehmi bouguezzi found in the winding alleyways of the souq. The unique
exterior influenced by the Arabic style of the Fatimid
dynasty caught the eye and became one of the most
attractive spots in Medina of Sousse.

The Museum exhibits the cultural traditions from the
ancient life in Sousse such as a variety of vintage
household items, musical instruments, utensils, and
many more. The collections were exhibited behind
glass and are lovely furnished, with text labels in
French and English.

Musee Dar Essid Zaouia Zakkak ZAOUI ZAKKAK. The 17th-century Zaouia Zakkak
features an octagonal minaret that's a stunning
Photo by Taycir Layeb Photo by Nader Ghanja example of Ottoman-era architecture and can be found
near the shopping streets in Medina. The magnificent
octagonal minaret is a holdover from the Ottoman era
and the Hanefite school. The minaret’s unique exterior,
tile works, and decorations were made in blue-green
stone with design influence from Andalusia. The area
is open for visitors and has 100 meters of tunnels with
more than 15,000 graves.

HISTORICAL LANDMARK

Ribat Sousse

Photo by Christian Manhart

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND FESTIVALS | AINUL NABIHAH

Aoussou Carnival

Photo by Mahdi Zouzi

Traditional Wedding International Festival of Sousse

Photo by Sarrazine Photo by akamaihd.net

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES &
FESTIVALS

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND FESTIVALS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF SOUSSE. As the country has changed hands many times over the course
of history, Tunisia has naturally become a multicultural and a multilingual country that is rich in culture
and history. The diversity of Tunisian culture and history is celebrated at the most popular festival, The
International Festival of Sousse.

The International Festival of Sousse commemorated musicians and celebrities all over Tunisia, and
performers from neighboring countries as well as Romania, Italy, Belgium, Syria, and Lebanon. The
neighboring performers brought their artistic components into their performances, while Russia
delivered its prestigious Symphonic Orchestra in the festival’s entertainment. Apart from music, creative
shows such as screening of films and animations were also celebrated all across the city.

THE AOUSSOU CARNIVAL. The Carnival of Aoussou, or in French, Carnaval d’Aoussou, is an annual
festive and cultural event that unfolds each 24th of July in Sousse, Tunisia. “Aoussou” means the heat
wave of the month of August, according to the Berber calendar.

Originally it was a Pagan feast celebrating the god of the seas, Neptune, in the Roman province of Africa.
However, as time passed by, the cult evolved and lost all of the religious connection with it. In the
modern era, it is a parade of symbolic chariots, fanfares and folk groups from Tunisia and elsewhere
which takes place near the beach of Bou Jaafar.

TRADITIONAL TUNISIAN WEDDING. In Tunisia, weddings are considered as one of the most important
occasions in one person’s life and their preparation may take years. Interestingly, wedding lasts 7 days
in Tunisia.

During the 7 days duration, every day was filled with its own celebration such as Hammam Day, Henna
Ceremony as it brings luck and happiness to the bride, Harkous ceremony where an old woman
decorates the bride’s body with different beautiful designs, "Outia", (a traditional Tunisian ceremony
dedicated to the bride) and the wedding day on the last day.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 73

Rue D' Angleterre

Souq de Sousse

Souq El Cald

Location Plan
N.T.S.

CULTURAL ARTS AND CRAFTS

ARTS AND CRAFTS | MUHAMMAD IRHAM

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Souq was once an economic center that was often given special privileges. Today, they still play an
important economic role. This souk (market) is the closest Sousse to a medieval bazaar. The roof
is unmistakably modern, yet the sales pitch beneath it is age-old. Far from the tranquility of the
southern medina, Souq er-Ribba forms the commercial heart of the medina.

The place is a riot of color, packed with haggling merchants, browsing tourists, and barrow boys
trying to squeeze through with their improbably overloaded carts. This is not the world’s most
evocative bazaar but worth exploring. Rue D' Angleterre, Souq De Sousse and Souq El Cald

RUE D' ANGLETERRE. The main souk streets where connects the Sidi Yahia square and the south
gate of the city. These souks sell a wide range of Tunisian crafts, from colorful ceramics to jewelry.
Aside from the fabric stalls, the souks offer little more than “souvenir” trinkets for tourists.
Because Sousse is Tunisia's main tourist destination, there are lots of cheap and colorful
souvenirs to be found.

SOUQ DE SOUSSE. Located in the new souq area along the souq street, it is considered as one of
the most popular tourist attractions. The souq, including Rue D Angleterre and Souq El Cald, fully
reflects the traditional way of life of the Tunisian people for centuries. Divided by sectors
according to the goods sold, the Souq de Sousse branches off into the labyrinth of alleys and
walkways in the Medina.

SOUQ EL CALD. Souk El Cald is located from East-West directions generally rectilinear stretching
from door to door. The Souk El Cald, a narrow alley and a genuine tourist market in Medina with
numerous shops and stores.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 75

CARPETS CERAMICS

Photo by Marina Chirkova Photo by Jason Wells

VEGETABLES

Photo by Alamy

ACCESSORIES SPICE AND HERBS

Photo by Saidane Dali Photo by Ted Decker

CULTURAL ARTS ANDVEGETABLES CRAFTS

ARTS AND CRAFTS| BIBI NUR JANNAH

ACCESSORIES. Perfumes are easy to find as the intensity of the fragrance of the perfumes leads the
way. Perfume bottles can be found mainly throughout the souk area. Jewelry is also often available
in closed stores and has a display from the inside.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Most fresh vegetables can be bought and found in the souk area. Often
situated close to the town gates to make trade easier for market gardeners. It gives a glimpse of the
present-day of Sousse's life.

SPICES AND HERBS. We can find a wide variety of spices and condiments that have become typical
things sold in traditional Tunisian markets. Some of the spices available at the market include
cinnamon, pepper, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and turmeric.

CERAMICS. Ceramicware has become one of Tunisia's most well-known traditional souvenirs.
Ceramics are typically brightly coloured, dominated by blue and green. Around the souk in Sousse,
you can find colourful hand-painted ceramics and painted pottery.

CARPET. The popular woven handmade craft that can be found most in Medina of Sousse market
are carpets and rugs. The carpet's motives and pattern have their own symbolism. The carpets are
handwoven by women without setting any design or pattern in mind make each rug and carpet
unique and show the expression of the weaver's own stories.

OLIVEWOOD CRAFT. Usually, traditional craft, dishes, and souvenirs which made by olive wood are
mostly found at the souk in the old city Medina of Sousse. The olive wood products are handmade
by skilled craftsmen. They produce items for the kitchen and table, decoration, and gift items.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 77

JEBBA. The 'jebba' is Sousse's traditional, oldest, and most significant dress, worn by men, made
from wool and silk in white colour during summer and grey during winter. People from Sousse get
to wear Jebba for special occasions, especially those living in rural areas.

SEFSARI. 'Sefsari' is Tunisian women's attire that senior women or old ladies frequently wear.
'Sefsari' is usually ivory, although, in southern Tunisia, it can be more colourful, and the fabric is
made of cotton and silk. Tunisians wear 'Sefsari' by enclosing their body from head to ankle to
protect themselves from male sight.

KESWA. During significant events such as weddings, the bride wore sumptuous silk clothes covered
with gold and silver embroidery. 'Keswa' consists of the 'camisa' (inner cloth with a wider neckline
and length butterfly sleeves), "Seroual" as pants, "el aba" as a jacket, and the "caftan" as a kind of
coat.

LALLEMAND. The women wore a loose-fitting shirt canvas trimmed with lace on the front, with
embroidered. They put on pants bouffant also trimmed with lace and were draped in a ‘fouta'. They
also covered their head with a silk scarf ‘takrita'.

BALGHAS. 'Balghas' are part of traditional attire in Tunisia and they wore "Balghas," which are
yellow leather slippers on their feet. The tip of these shoes can be pointy or rounded. They are
frequently well-decorated and made entirely from natural materials.

KOBKABS. Soussean women wore 'kobkabs', which are wooden shoes at home while on the street,
they usually wear 'chebrellas' which are patent leather moccasins.

TAGUIA. 'Taguia' is a traditional headdress costume rich with gold and jewellery in form of a crown
that is only used by women. Usually, the headdress is used with complete traditional attire
especially during a ceremony known as El-Henna. The most popular jewellery made from gold
sovereigns is a necklace, earrings, and also the 'taguia'.

CULTURAL ARTS AND CRAFTS

The Most Common Tunisian Motif Designs Found in Tribal Rugs

BOTEH RAM HORN DIAMOND

8 POINTED STAR CROSS SCORPION AND SPIDERS

CAMEL S SHAPE MIHRAB MOUNTAIN

Photos by: Artisera.com

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 79

Photo by: La Megara Photos by: Johny Autry

Photo by: Vogue.fr

Photos by: Jessica Gavin

TRADITIONAL CUISINE

TRADITIONAL CUISINE| SYAZA KARMILA

TRADITIONAL CUISINE

BRIK. Commonly mistaken for filo or puff pastry, Brik is a Tunisian specialty that is enjoyed with different sweet
and savory fillings across the Middle East. Brik is a very thin pastry, about 1mm thick, which is predominantly
made from water and flour. It has a lacy texture that becomes light and flaky when cooked, similar to filo and
spring roll pastry.

The origins of Brik are hard to trace but it dates back at least 500 years. The word 'Brik' is thought to have
stemmed from the Turkish word börek, which is a savory stuffed, baked pastry made using filo or yufka. The
local equivalent of brik pastry can be found in regions across the Middle East where it may also be termed
“bric”, “börek”, “burek”, “warqa” or “malsouka”.

"The Tunisian tradition is that the bride-to-be's mother makes a brik for the potential bridegroom.
If the bridegroom eats it without spilling any of the egg yolk, he may marry the bride."

For many Tunisians, eating brik is a sensory experience, tradition must be held onto. This is practically a
Tunisian national food, and it's said that Muslims, in particular, eat it during the holy month of Ramadan to
break their daily fast.

TUNISIAN COUSCOUS. Couscous is Tunisia’s official national dish traditionally served with meat, vegetables,
and spices. For many families, preparing and eating couscous is a ritual and a precious tradition that binds the
generations together. In many ways, couscous is to Tunisia what Nasi Lemak is to Malaysia - it’s not just food to
put on the table, it’s a centerpiece of family in life.

In Tunisia, it is made mostly spicy with harissa sauce and served commonly with any dish, including lamb, fish,
seafood, beef, and sometimes, in southern regions, camel. Fish couscous is a Tunisian specialty and can also be
made with octopus, squid, or other seafood in hot, red, spicy sauce.

On 16 December 2020, a historic moment for Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Mauritania was made as Couscous
was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 80

SALAD MECHOUIA. Mechouia is a Tunisian salad that SALAD MECHOUIA
is composed of grilled, coarsely chopped onions,
peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, drizzled with olive oil Photo by Shutterstock
and seasoned with caraway, salt, and black pepper.
Some will add ground coriander or caraway and BRIK
others will add grilled and chopped aubergine. Those
who love spicy food will include hot peppers and/or Photo by Shutterstock
season the slata mechouia with harissa. The salad is
then typically garnished with hard-boiled eggs, olives,
or tuna.

The traditional way of preparing the salad is by grilling
all of these ingredients on a “Kenoun” or a stovetop.
Once cooled, the charred skin is removed and the
ingredients are all blended. Traditionally, Slata
Mechouia can be found on just about every dinner
table during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

The salad can be served on its own, but it is also often
served on toasted bread or baguette slices. It is quite
common to find it in Tunisia as a part of a mix of
appetizers in traditional restaurants.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE

TRADITIONAL CUISINE| NUR SYAFIQAH

Tunisian Couscous FRICASSEE. One of the ways to truly understand what
Tunisian flavors are all about is to give a taste into a
Photo by HowtoCook great Tunisian Fricassee roll. Fricassee is a delicious
small savory fried brioche of Tunisian origin, that is
Bambalouni filled with potato, harissa, tuna, black olives, hard-
boiled egg, and slata mechouia.
Photo by Chaari Meriem
Fricassee is one of the most popular street food in
Tunisia that is great for picnics and casual lunches, or
a quick but satisfying meal for those exploring the
area.

BAMBALOUNI. Bambalouni is round-shaped
doughnuts that are similar to American doughnuts, but
a lot sweeter. They are made with flour dough that’s
fried in oil and soaked in honey or sprinkled with
sugar. These sweet donuts are most delicious when
served hot, fresh out of the frying pot with coffee with
milk.

Bambalouni can be found in street vendors and fast
food shops throughout Tunisia. It is usually served as
part of breakfast or as a late-night snack, but locals eat
it at any time of the day.

CHAPTER 3: MEDINA OF SOUSSE| 82

CONCLUSION

Photo by Adrian Dascal on Unsplash

It would be fruitful to pursue further research about the Heritage and Cultural traditions in Tunisia to examine
the fascinating gems hidden behind the walls of the Medinas. The presented significant findings include
Zaytouna Mosque in Medina of Tunis, Mosque of Uqba in Medina of Kairouan, and Ribat in Medina of Sousse,
which are substantial to the Landscape Architectural world as it widens our view in the scope of UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. The furnished relics in each of the Medinas and describing its heritage as gems are an
understatement -- so why does it, in common with other heritage places and valuable cultures worldwide, arouse
such fascination? Perhaps it's because, in our urbanizing and capitalist age, such sites remind us that there are
still fragments and histories that are yet to be discovered.

MEDINA OF TUNIS MEDINA OF KAIROUAN MEDINA OF SOUSSE

Photo by Pintterest Photo by Chiheb Rouissi Photo by Taycir Layeb

CONCLUSION| 84