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The Andalusian Medina Of Zaghouan

Tunisia

The Andalusian medina of Zaghouan

Public fountains: Zaghouan, located near sources, has developed an ingenious and original irrigation system, to optimize and distribute the use of water to residents. Thus, more than 10 public fountains distributed the water at the corners of the streets of the medina. Since the running water has arrived in each house, the usefulness of the fountains is less. However, many zaghouanis are used to fill cans for their domestic use.

Three fountains still exist, Sidi Ali Azouz Street, Rahba Square and Souk Street, we will see them during the visit. They are adorned with beautiful ceramic panels and always deliver a very refreshing drinking water!

The fountain of the street of Sidi Ali Azouz: A public fountain. The water comes out of a lion's mouth framed by multicolored ceramics.

Marabout Sidi Ali Azouz: Sidi Ali Azouz became the patron saint of the city. The architectural richness of the mausoleum demonstrates the worship that the population can have towards Sidi Ali Azouz.

In the patio, a small fountain has been installed, to keep freshness and ensuring good maintenance. A large green door marks the entrance to the mausoleum.

The architectural and decorative richness is fantastic. With ceramics, stucco, stained glass, marble, all the Arab-Andalusian arts are represented here. On the ground, we find swallow wing tiles, black and white, creating multiple patterns. In the center, under an immense dome, rests the catafalque supporting the coffin of Sidi Ali Azouz.

The mosque and the church "Errahba".

The Hanafia Mosque: The other monument, the Hanafia Mosque, is located along Hedi Chaker Street, going down a little towards the city center. Easy to recognize by its beautiful minaret, the mosque also has beautiful red brick arches.

The Roman Gate of Zaghouan: Built during Roman times, this arch was one of the entrances to the city. Other arches existed but have now disappeared.

Observe the vault of the ark, on the side of the plain, in search of small details. For example, the central stone of the vault is engraved: we see a Goat head. It is one of the symbols of Zaghouan, representing the animal most adapted to this mountainous region. Other signs were visible on the other doors, like the olive tree.

Hammam "Jedid": This hammam is the oldest in the city. In fact, it took this name after its complete renovation following a collapse. This hamam is open in the morning for women and the afternoon for men. Thus, between the Hammam el Karma and Hamam Jdid, everyone finds his account at any time of the day! Ideal for a return of hiking for example!

 

The "kaak warka": But before leaving, a detour is needed to buy some kaak warka, the iconic pastry of Zaghouan.
It is almond paste surrounded by a thin paste, all perfumed with rosehip water, another specialty of the city. The cake is succulent, not very sweet. Its manufacture is artisanal or family.

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