Kairuán

Kairouan is a city in Tunisia, located about 160 kilometers southwest of Tunis. It is one of the most important cities in the Arab world and in Islamic history. Founded in 670 AD by the Umayyad commander Uqba ibn Nafi, Kairouan quickly became a major center of Islamic learning and culture. It was the capital of the Aghlabid dynasty and played a significant role in the early Islamic conquests of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.

The city is renowned for its Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba. This mosque is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the Islamic world, featuring a distinctive minaret and a large prayer hall. Another significant landmark is the Barbary Walls, the ancient ramparts that once protected the city. Kairouan is also famous for its Aghlabid cisterns, a remarkable series of reservoirs built to supply the city with water.

Kairouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. The city's historic medina, with its narrow alleyways, traditional houses, and bustling souks, offers a glimpse into its rich past. The craftsmanship of Kairouan, particularly in carpet weaving and ceramics, is also well-known and continues to be a part of its cultural identity. The city remains a pilgrimage destination for many Muslims.