Kairouan

Kairouan (also spelled al-Qayrawan) is a city in Tunisia, located approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Tunis. It is considered one of the holiest cities in Islam, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Founded in 670 AD by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi, Kairouan played a pivotal role in the early Islamic conquests of North Africa and served as a major center of Islamic scholarship and culture for centuries. It was the first Islamic city in North Africa. Its location was chosen strategically, away from the coast to protect it from Berber and Byzantine attacks.

The city is renowned for its religious architecture, most notably the Great Mosque of Kairouan (also known as the Mosque of Uqba), one of the oldest and most significant mosques in the Islamic world. Other important landmarks include the Mosque of the Three Doors, the Aghlabid Basins, and the Zawiya of Sidi Sahab (the Mosque of the Barber).

Kairouan's significance declined somewhat after the 11th century, as the political and economic center of gravity in Tunisia shifted northwards to Tunis. However, it remained a major religious center and continues to attract pilgrims and tourists.

The city's economy relies on tourism, carpet weaving, and agriculture. Kairouan is particularly famous for its hand-knotted carpets, which are highly valued for their quality and intricate designs.

Kairouan is an important historical and cultural site, representing a significant period in Islamic history and offering insights into the development of Islamic art and architecture. It serves as a testament to the spread of Islam across North Africa.