EBook: Medina Of Sousse

MEDINA OF
SOUSSE

“The Wonder Behind the Wall ”

Prepared by Group 1

CONTENTS

01 UNESCO CRITERIA 04 MAN MADE ENVIRONMENT

02 HISTORY 05 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL

03 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 06 ECONOMIC

07 CROSS ANALYSIS

UNESCO CRITERIA

Criteria fulfilled:

(iii) Cultural tradition - 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. The Medina was conceived according to a regular
plan with its meridian axis running from Bab el Kabli to the ribat and the ancient interior port, and its east-west axis running from
Bab el Jedid to Bab el Gharbi. It constitutes a precocious and interesting example of an Islamic city.

(iv) Icon of an Era: - The most ancient and best conserved of all, the Ribat of Sousse, is an outstanding example of this type of

construction, with its rectangular enclosure flanked with towers and turrets, pierced with a single gate on the south, an inner courtyard
rising over two levels with thirty-five cells opening onto it, a mosque on the southern side of the first storey, with its south-east facing
tower, added in 821, serving as both a minaret and watch tower, from where signals from the Ribat could be transmitted to Monastir.

(v) Interaction with the environment - The Medina of Sousse constitutes an outstanding example of Arabo-Muslim and
Mediterranean architecture that reflects a particular traditional way of life. This typology, which has become vulnerable through the
impact of irreversible socio-economic changes and modern life, constitutes a precious heritage that must be safeguarded and
protected.

HISTORY

MEDINA OF SOUSSE

1000 BC 146 BC 300 AD

Phonecians Roman Diocletian

Sousse was founded by Phonecians After the Punic wars and the Under the reign of
at the end of 10th century shortly destruction of Carthage by the Diocletian (3rd
after the foundation of Utica in 12th Romans in 146 BC, Hadrumetun, century AD), it
Century and before that of Carthage like other Carthaginian cities, became the capital
in 814 BC. fell under Roman rule. of Byzacena, a
province which at
that time covered
the centre of modern
Tunisia.

Carthage Caesar Augustus

The phoenicians develop a busy During the reign of Caesar Augustus and above all
trading port called Hadrumetun - that of Trajan it became one of the busiest,
most dynamic and prosperous cities richest cities on the south coast of the
in the Carthaginian Empire. Mediterranean

814 BC 100 - 200 AD

History Medina Of Sousse

535 AD 1100 AD 2000 AD World War II

Vandals Zirids Sousse enjoyed a new
lease of life at the
After a century under the Vandals, in 535 AD After the decline of the city under the Fatimids, who beginning of the
it fell to the Byzantines, who renamed it founded a new capital in Mahdia, Sousse rose again in the 20th century, which
Justiniapolis in honour of the emperor 11th century under the Zirids, a short-lived revival that ended was later interrupted
Justinian with the invasion of the Hilalians, who destroyed the whole by the bombing and
country. After this, Sousse underwent successive periods of severe damage it
revival and decline under the Almohads, the Hafsids, the suffered during World
Normans of Sicily and the Spaniards. 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

Arabs Turkish

In around 650 AD, From the 16th century, under Turkish domination,

the city was conquered by the Arabs who gave it its Sousse became a den of privateers committing acts of
present name, Sousse. Under the Aghlabids it piracy on the Mediterranean Sea, for which it earned
became the seaport for their capital Kairouan, a reprisals from the European states. This situation
period in which several monuments were built continued until the establishment of the French
Protectorate in Tunisia in 1881.

650 AD such as the Ribat. 1600 - 1881 AD

Building Timeline

1934 29 1 1 Ce8tnthury
8 0

4

10 Martyrs Monument

18th 1 Ribat
Century
6

7 Cen9ttuhry
53
2 Rampart

9 Dar Essid Museum C17etnhtury 838 AD

Cen1t1uthry 851 AD

8 Zaouia Zakkak

3 Bou Ftata Mosque

4 Great Mosque of Sousse

7 Sousse Archeological Museum 6 Kalaout el-Koubba 5 Kasbah

NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT

MEDINA OF SOUSSE

Topography X X
Steep
Elevation & Slope
Moderately
The medina of Sousse mainly consists of a large flat surface steep
at sea level.
Flat -
Based on Global and National Soils and Terrain Digital Database (SOTER) Rolling

Section X-X
The graph show Minimum, Average and Maximum of the elevation which are
4m,10m, and 17m. While the slope is classified as slope class I which
maximum slope is 12.4% which consider as moderate slope.

Topography Y
Y
Elevation & Slope
Source : topographic-map.com
Section Y-Y

The graph show Minimum, Average and Maximum of the elevation
which are 5m,12m, and 16m. While the slope is classified as slope
class I which maximum slope is 10.7% which consider as moderate
slope.

Analysis

Kasbah became a place that can control the enemies
movement from the tower due to its relatively high and
strategic position.

This site might be prone to flooding due to the low
topographic conditions between the ribat area and the
surrounding area.

Microclimate

Dry
Summers - Warm
Winters- Long, cool, windy
and mostly clear.

In Sousse, summers are short, hot, muggy, and clear; the winters are long, cool, windy, and mostly clear; and it is dry year round.
Temperature varies from 8.3C to 32C and rarely below 4C or above 36C, and based on the beach/ pool score, best time of year is to visit Sousse for
hot-weather activities from mid June-mid Sept.

Microclimate

To analyse how pleasant the weather in Sousse throughout the year, the travel scores are indicated as “best time”.

Sunny
Rain precipitation

The tourism score favors clear, rainless days with perceived temperatures between 65°F and 80°F.
Based on this score, the best times of year to visit Sousse for outdoor tourist activities are from early April to late June and from early October to mid
November.
However, in July, August and September, the rain precipitation are high and the tourists might not be able to enjoy outdoor activities in Sousse as much.

Tourism Activities according to Best Score

Historic Site: Medina of Observation Deck: Ribat of Sousse
Sousse
Fusing Byzantine and Arab architectural
The tourist can see many architectural and styles and dating back to the 7th century,
structural features characteristic of early the tourist will be able to see the
islamic town planning. surrounding landscape from a bird’s eye
view.
Dar Esid Museum

Richly decorated period rooms with Great Mosque of Sousse
meticulously preserved furniture and items,
and the tourist can also see the cityscape of As with other historic mosques in Tunisia,
Sousse from the rooftop. non-Muslims can enter the courtyard and
view the prayer room from the doorways
Historical Museum: Sousse Archeological (but not enter).
Museum

The highlight for many tourists is a chance to see
the resident artist demonstrating the skill and
patience needed to produce exquisite mosaic
images.

REF: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g295401-Activities-zft11295-Sousse_Sousse_Governorate.html, https://www.inspirock.com/tunisia/cultural-activities-in-sousse

Flood Prone Area

Researchers in Germany and the UK analysed risk indicators
including the frequency and height of storm surges, flood
depths, and the extent of exposure to flood for each site

Causes :
● Heavy rainfall,
● Rainwater runoff in urban or rural areas
● slow rise of water levels in the lowest regions

Source : floodmap.net

Analysis map This area has become a famous
tourist attractions because of its
Kasbah as watching tower which accessibility and the land area is flat
the tourist will be able to see the which allows the construction of
surrounding landscape from a heritage buildings such as Ribat
bird’s eye view. Sousse, The Great Mosque, and
Due to the high slope and far many more.
from other heritage buildings, it
difficult to the tourist to go the
area.

Kasbah

Flora

The city of Sousse can be considered the capital of the Tunisian Sahel, covered with beautiful trees, spices, olive trees, figs,
carob trees, and a lot more.

Traditional Carob trees Fenugreek Lemon
Medicine For stomach ache to remedies for
Powdered carob pods have
been used to treat diarrhea soothing a cold or sore
for centuries.
throat

Therapeutic Rose Pomegranate
& Aromatic It is the most widely-used rose in perfumery and cosmetics. plant that contains beneficial
Its fragrance is pure, captivating and enchanting. nutrients and important
Spices For the prevention,treatment and therapy of different phytochemicals that can be
human diseases attributed to cancer-related
therapeutic purposes.

Thyme Cumin (Spice) Coriander (Spice) Carvi (Spice)

Ornamental Jasmine and Bougainvillea
Everywhere during summer, jasmine is made as small bouquets and necklaces and they are sold everywhere.
Architectural Details
Windows and Doors. Jasmine is planted everywhere, and people enjoy jasmine’s smell during summer evening and nights to feel fresh

Traditional The "machmoum" is made of jasmine flowers that compliments the man's traditional outfit by putting in on the ear, so he can smell
Food good during the event he's attending and for him to enjoy as well. It's a sign of high social status back in the day.

Art and Craft .

Nalta Jude Orange

Nalta Jude (Jew’s Mallow) is used for a Due to its sour and bitter taste, it has not been used
traditional food called Mloukhiya for its as an edible fruit. The juice of the fruit is used in
rich sauce. salads for sour taste instead of lemon juice.

Olive Oil Tree

Olive leafs : ornamentations motif in architecture, food utensils and clothes. In Tunisia, handicrafts based on local
wood are mostly from olive wood. Due to its physical, mechanical and aesthetic qualities, olive wood is highly sought
and appreciated by artisans and buyers.

MAN MADE Land Use | Urban Extent |
ENVIRONMENT Heritage Site and Landmark

MEDINA OF SOUSSE

Land Use Most active spot in medina of sousse
- An open space between the Ribat and
Open space The Great Mosque.
Commercial - Bring up a busy environment with
Green Area tourists, shops and locals.
Religious
Souk Open space around the Ribat and Great Mosque.
Encouraging people to gather.
Middle of Medina of Sousse
- Majority of religious space at the Open space, shopping centre and shades at the
centre. entrance
- Markets
- Commercial and
accommodation.

Medina of Sousse Fortress (Sousse
city layout Ribat)
Main mosque (Great
Medina of Sousse represent the Islamic City with its Mosque of Sousse
characteristics
Suqs
- The main mosque ( Great Mosque) Wall
- Suqs ( Outside of the mosque) Residential Quarters
- Fortress ( Ribat Sousse)
- Residential Town Layout Plan
- Wall surround the city
- Narrow street network N.T.S
- Exterior (the new town of sousse used to be the

cemetery and olive orchard)

HERITAGE SITES & LANDMARKS Ribat of Sousse
The Great
Dar-Esid Mosque of
Museum Sousse
Musee El Bou Ftata
Mosque
Kobba

Sousse Archeological
Museum

Unesco Criteria iv:

“ To be an outstanding example of a
type of building, architectural or
technological ensemble or landscape
which illustrates (a) significant stage(s)
in human history
“
The most ancient and best
conserved of all,
Ribat of Sousse,

is an outstanding example of this
type of construction

Ribat Sousse
-Facade -

Round tower on the edges

Semi-circular
tower along
the walls

Watchtower in the
southeast corner

Entrance porch in
south facade

The ribat is square in plan, composed Design Influence
of 4 thickened walls.
+ Design of the ribat was inspired by Abbasid minarets which spread
Ground Floor Second Floor Top Floor through Maghreb from the end of the A.H 2nd century

+ Maghreb : The Maghreb region in North Africa comprises the countries
Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Source:Statista. (2021, June 9). Gross domestic product of the Maghreb countries from 2011 to 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/796058/gdp-of-the-maghreb-countries/, Zangar, S. (2021). Sousse Ribat - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. Islamic Art Museum.
http://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;tn;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N

Ribat Sousse
-Entrance Porch-

Design Influence + Entrance porch in south facade

A rectangular entrance porch (left picture) in the middle of the south facade gives access
to the monument, the design was inspired by Abbasid palaces porch (right picture)

Entrance porch in + One notable structural feature is the small freestone dome located above the entrance
south facade porch. It is the oldest of its kind in existence, and a precursor to the dome of the Great
Mosque of Kairouan
Ground Floor
Second Floor + The entrance features
Top Floor antique marble and
granite columns and
capitals from the Byzantine
settlement which predated
Aghlabid Sousse.

Source:Abbasid architecture. (2021, August 2). Blogspot. http://islamicartandarchitecture.blogspot.com/2011/11/abbasid-architecture.html

Ribat Sousse

-Courtyard and Prayer Room-

Courtyard

Square entrance hall surrounded
with porticoes (structure consist of

roof supported by columns)

A prayer room on the The design of ribats strongly influenced
southern side of the first later madrasa design in the region
storey

Ground Floor The arrangement of multiple levels of small In addition to its decorative features, the
Second Floor cells surrounding a central courtyard : Divide upper floor features military trap that
Top Floor
time between fighting and silent study of allowed soldiers to drop rocks onto enemies
Quran. attempting to gain access.

Source: Abbasid architecture. (2021, August 2). Blogspot. http://islamicartandarchitecture.blogspot.com/2011/11/abbasid-architecture.html

Ribat Sousse Design Influence
-Watch Tower-

Minarets in Kairouan

Ground Floor Ribat of Sousse
Second Floor
Top Floor The minaret of Sousse Ribat was inspired by
similar Abbasid minarets that were

constructed during the late eighth century
throughout Tunisia

Minarets in Medina of Tunis

Source:Abbasid architecture. (2021, August 2). Blogspot. http://islamicartandarchitecture.blogspot.com/2011/11/abbasid-architecture.html

Overall Design Analysis of Ribat Sousse

Main Influence of Ribat 30%
Construction
History of Abbasid
Abbasid Caliphates Architecture such as Caliphate Architecture:
watchtower, entrance porch, facade and building
material. The architecture in baghdad was
dominated by the use of brick,
Architecture of Abbasid presents the first classical stucco and stone as construction
moment in the evolution of islamic architecture materials as they are predominant/
the common building material as in
Materials used in Tulunid Egypt and Aghlabid Tunisia.
Ribat Sousse

The entire structure of the ribat was
constructed in stone, in coursed
ashlar pattern.

Source: UsefulTravelArticles.com. (2020). Ribat description and photos - Tunisia: Sousse. Useful Articles About Traval For Tourists. Description Of The Countries, Health Resorts. https://usefultravelarticles.com/5198-ribat-description-and-photos-tunisia-sousse.html

Medina of Sousse, a UNESCO World The courtyard of Ribat located
Heritage Site. View of the ribat in the middle of building
(fortified monastery), built in
787-821, from the 27-meter clock Palms as ornamental plantings in
tower (aka lighthouse) Nador. the front compound of the Ribat
Sousse
The landscape view at the west side of
Ribat Sousse

: Qualitative public space around
the ramparts of the Medina, source:
Transitec

The Great Mosque
of Sousse

Built by amir Abu al-‘Abbas Muhammad al-Aghlabi
851 AD, aghlabid Dynasty
Master Builder: Mudam
Influenced by Qairawani Architecture with its marble and porphyry
columns

Elements Adorns two small domes in the
middle of the prayer hall.
Source: Samakie, A. (2017). Great Mosque of Sousse | Archiqoo. Archiqoo.
https://archiqoo.com/locations/great_mosque_sousse.php The courtyard is wide and
Jamila Binous "Great Mosque of Sousse" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2021. 2021. surrounded by porticoes (similar
http://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;tn;Mon01;5;en to RIbat of Sousse).
Source: [http://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;tn;Mon01;5;en&cp]
As the Sousse Mosque has no minaret, the call to
prayer was proclaimed from the top of the
northeast corner tower, which has a domed kiosk
and is accessible by a staircase giving onto the
courtyard.

Kufic inscription sculpted in stone on the façade, in
the Aghlabid manner.
Determined the date of the building

Decorated with palm
tree beside the
mosque as
ornamental planting.

Water feature in
between mosque and
shop area act as
nodes of the area.

Great Mosque is surrounded by
shop area where visitors can
stop by after visiting this
historical place.

Bou Ftata Mosque

History 02 Influence 04

Built 20 years before the Great Materials Andalusian Design
Mosque

01 Stone block, cobble 03 + 88m
+ Rectangular, Small
+ prayer hall, porch
4 central rectangular
Kalaout el-Koubba + piers at the 4 corners of
+ the central square.
History 02 Horseshoe arches
Influence support root rest
became a caravanserai and then Kufic inscription facade
a hostel until 1960s Fatimid
04
become a museum in 1994 Materials +
Design
01 Stone block, cobble 03 +
Zigzag folds dome
Tripadvisor. (2019). Museum Dar Essid (Sousse) - 2021 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). + The Fatimids introduced Engraving kufic inscription
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295401-d2624834-Reviews-Museum_Dar_Essid-Sousse_Souss or developed the usage on the facade
e_Governorate.html of the four-centred keel
arch
ornate facade of niches
and polylobed arch

Dar Esid Museum

History 02 Influence 04

Built in 998 AD Fragment of interior an ancient Arab Design
house
Reception Area
Materials Small Interior Courtyard
Fascinating Rooms
01 Stone blocks, cobble, Marble tiles 03 + Drink Preparation Area
furnishing + Flight of Stairs
+
+
+

Sousse Archeological Museum

01 History Founded in the 11th century and established
in 1951

Wikipedia contributors. (2021, June 23). Fatimid architecture. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatimid_architecture#Architectural_style Engraving kufic inscription
on the facade

Wall and Gates (Bab) Bab al Jebli

● Medina of Sousse was protected by city walls and gates measures 2,250 m Bab Bhar
and they enclose an area of 32 hectares.
Bab al Finga
● The enclosure has three gates, Bab al-Bahr (Gate of the Sea), Bab al-Qibli Bab al Gharbi
(Eastern Gate) and Bab al-Gharbi (Western Gate).

● After restoration, three gates have been added to the original ones; the Bab
Jadid (the New Gate; AH 1280 / AD 1860), Bab al-Jebli (North Gate) and Bab
al-Finga (Gate of the Guillotine)

Bab Jadid

Bab al Kabli

Architectural Image Table Analysis

Heritage Ribat Sousse The Great The Bou Ftata Kalaout el- Dar-Esid Sousse
Buildings Mosque of Mosque Koubba Museum Archeological

Sousse Museum

Year 8th Century 851 AD Between 838 and 841 11-12th century 998 AD 11th Century

Influence Abbasid Qairawan Andalusian Fatimid Ancient Arab interior Abbasid (assumption)
Stone block, cobble
Construction Brick, Stucco, Stone Brick, Stucco, Stone Stone block, cobble Stone block, cobble, Stucco
Material blocks blocks Marble tiles and (assumption)
finishing

Building Purpose As fortress, millitary As religious place As religious place Then: caravanserai, Then: House of Old artifacts collection
defense, madrasa, and russian hammam and aristocratic family
now as a historical site. hostel. collection of 2nd- and
Now: art Museum 3rd-century Roman
Now: Museum mosaics

UNESCO
Selection Criteria

Analysis Conclusion

From the table A single gate on the
and design south,
analysis, Ribat of
Sousse was An inner courtyard rising A mosque on the
selected as Icon over two levels with southern side of the
of the Era
thirty five cells opening first storey,
onto it

It shows an outstanding With a tower serves as
example of construction with both a minaret and
watch tower, from
its rectangular enclosure
flanked with towers and where signals from the
Ribat could be
turrets, transmitted to
Monastir.

ECONOMY IN

SOUSSE

ECONOMY IN SOUSSE

CULTURAL AGRICULTURE
TOURISM

CULTURAL TOURISM – Historical Sites

Sousse is one of the older cities in Tunisia possessing an authentic medina, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are some of the historical

sites in Medina of Sousse:- Ribat of Sousse

Dar Esid Museum This military and religious fortress is
constructed of stone and was inspired by
Richly decorated period rooms with Abbasid Design. Located just few steps
meticulously preserved furniture and from Grand Mosque and a lot of small
items, and the tourist can also see the shops near there.
cityscape of Sousse from the rooftop.

Kasbah Great Mosque of Sousse

Tower of 30 meters high, from top, vistitor This mosque was a part of city's defensive
can have panaromic views of entire city. It system back then. It's rough stone walls
has collection of Roman mosaics and Punic are crowned with merlons and have large
steles round towers at the corners, making it
look like a fortress.

Historical Museum: Sousse Archeological The Bouftata Mosque
Museum
The only surviving features of initial
The highlight for many tourists is a chance to see construction however is a prayer hall and
the resident artist demonstrating the skill and inscription in Kufic characters with date
patience needed to produce exquisite mosaic constructions
images.

CULTURAL TOURISM – CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT

Medina contains many small restaurant and cafes where tourist can have a stop for a glass of tea and a sit-down. These eateries have it’s own special
characteristics and atmospheric views based on their location. Below is example of eateries in Medina of Sousse.

CAFÉ BEB AL MEDINA RESTAURANT CAFÉ SELES

Café Beb Al Medina is one This restaurant serve cuisines of
of the famous restaurant Mediterranean, Middle Eastern,
modern-looking café in Tunisian, African. This café also
Medina of Sousse. vegetarian friendly, halal, vegan
options to those who are vegan.

This café have a fantastic
overlooking view of Sousse
Harbour from the rooptop of
the café.

They uses blue color as a It also have rooftop view of
contrast to enhance the the city which enhance the
calming experience to the eating experience for the
customer as well as to attract tourist there.
people to their café.

Cultural Tourism – Souq (Markets)

SOUQ ER-REBBA, SOUK DE SOUSSE, SOUK EL Souk De-Sousse
CALD Souk el- card street Souk Er-Rebba

Souq were once economic centre that were often Souk el- card street
given special privileges. Today, they still play an Souk Er-Rebba
important economic role.

This souq (market) is the closest Sousse
to a medieval bazaar. The roof is
unmistakably modern, yet the salespitch
beneath it is age-old. Far from the tranquillity of
the southern medina, Souq er-Ribba forms the
commercial heart of
the medina.

The place is a riot of colour,
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.

Street of souq

INSIDE
THE

SOUQS

Clothes, shoes and PERFUME AND FRUITS AND SPICES AND Art and craft
blankets JEWELLERY VEGETABLES HERBS
Ceramics usually favour in bright
Leather shoes wide in variety of Perfumes are easy to find as the Often situated close to the town Cinnamon, pepper, paprika, colourings and dominated by
choice. Balgha is traditional intense of the fragrance of the gates to make trade easier for rosemary, saffron, turmeric is blue and green. Carpets also
shoes for local. They also sell market gardeners. It gives a some of the spices sold in the
traditional clothes like Jebba. perfumes leads the way. glimpse of present- day of Sousse consist of geometric pattern and
Jewellery always located at markets sharply contrasting colors.
closed shops and have a display life.

from the inside.

CULTURAL TOURISM -ACOMMODATION

Since Sousse is a major tourist HOTEL DE PARIS HOTEL MEDINA
destination, there are many hotels Spotlessly clean if rather austere Located behind the Central Mosqu
in the city to suit all budgets. In hotel near the main entrance to the at the entrance to the medina.
the high season (June to early medina. It has charming exterior to Clean, modest but perfectly
September) prices go up, but it. adequate rooms around an
fortunately there are seldom enclosed central courtyard
problems finding a hotel room.
During the high season, prices are
at least 30-40% above the rest of
Tunisia.

Prices are very affordable in the
pleasant months just before and
right after the high season.
During the winter prices go even
lower and many hotels actually
close down for the season

DAR ANTONIA
Located near Bou Jaafar, Sousse
Great Grand Mosque and Sousse
Archaeological Museum

AGRICULTURE For a long time, the picking of the olive trees was a daily image of agriculture in
Tunisian Sahel
Agriculture occupies an important place in the economy of
Sousse; with more than 150 hectares of arable land, Sousse The key secret of Tunisian olive oil quality is in respecting
cultivates mainly olive trees and has become the second tradition. “The olives are carefully picked by hand at their
production hub after Sfax. optimal degree of maturity. No pesticides are used.
The city’s agricultural potential is essentially the product of Harvest is manual to get healthy fruits, to avoid harming
large and increasingly modern farms, which demonstrate a the tree, and to preserve the aromatic flavours of the
genuine ambition to increase profitability and the production olives in order to guarantee the production of a premium
of large volumes. olive oil”

A 1944 artist’s rendering suggests how ancient Greeks harvested olives for oil

AGRICULTURE

Sahelian agriculture is marked by it’s olive trees forests. A
culture that was introduced by the Phoenicians around 9th
century BC and developed by the Romans. Traditional olive
growing in dry or semi-irrigated.

Traditional way to bring olive after being picked Most of the soussiens had secondary occupations related
Traditional oil mill to get olive oil to agriculture. Each of the family owned olives groove
around the city as well as vegetable gardens near the city.

Vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and onions
Fruits such as apricot trees, pomegranates, mulberry trees
and apple trees

SOCIAL &
CULTURE

MEDINA OF SOUSSE

Unesco Criteria v:

“ To be an outstanding example of a
traditional human settlement,
land-use, or sea-use which is

representative of a culture (or

cultures), or human interaction with

the environment especially when it has

become vulnerable under the impact

of irreversible change “

The Medina of Sousse constitutes
an outstanding example of

Arabo-Muslim and
Mediterranean architecture that reflects a particular traditional
way of life.

Arabo-Muslim
Architecture

Islamic architecture comprises the architectural styles of buildings associated with
Islam. It encompasses both secular and religious styles from the early history of Islam
to the present day.

Some characteristics of Islamic architecture were inherited from pre-Islamic
architecture of that region while some characteristics like minarets, muqarnas,
arabesque, Islamic geometric motifs, pointed arch, multifoil arch, onion dome and
pointed dome developed later.

Example of Arabo-Muslim Archtecture in Medina of Sousse

Mediterranean Mediterranean house style
Architecture

Mediterranean Revival is an architectural style incorporating references from Spanish
Renaissance, Spanish Colonial, Italian Renaissance, French Colonial, Beaux-Arts,
Arabic Andalusian architecture, and Venetian Gothic architecture.

Structures are typically based on a rectangular floor plan, and feature massive,
symmetrical primary façades. Stuccoed walls, red tiled roofs, windows in the shape
of arches or circles, one or two stories, wood or wrought iron balconies with window
grilles, and articulated door surrounds are characteristic.

Example of Mediterranean Architecture in Medina of Sousse

Mediterranean fortress