Kairouan: The Spiritual Heart of Tunisia

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aatharana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansiraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atisal bilshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atisal bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatalla]
• How much is it?كم تكلف؟
  [kam taklif?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid alsiar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahida]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [alashira walnusf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd alduhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين....؟
  [ayna....?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'awn?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala alkhari'ta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى....)
  [tazkirah (ila....)]

Founded in 670 AD by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi, Kairouan quickly became a pivotal center for Islamic learning and culture. As one of the first cities established by the Arabs in North Africa, it played a crucial role in the spread of Islam throughout the Maghreb.

The Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Sidi Okba Mosque, was built in the 7th century and is one of the oldest places of worship in the Islamic world. This architectural marvel is renowned for its massive prayer hall, impressive minaret, and extensive use of arcades, embodying early Islamic architectural styles.

During the 9th century, Kairouan flourished under the Aghlabid Dynasty. The Aghlabids were instrumental in developing the city's infrastructure, including the construction of the Aghlabid Basins, which served as a sophisticated water reservoir system. Their reign marked a golden age for the city in terms of cultural and scientific advancements.

In 909 AD, the Fatimid Caliphate conquered Kairouan, making it the capital of their expanding empire. Under Fatimid rule, Kairouan continued to be a major center for trade, scholarship, and religious studies until the capital was moved to Mahdia in 921 AD.

After the Fatimid capital moved to Mahdia, Kairouan experienced a gradual decline. Subsequent invasions and internal strife, particularly during the Hilalian invasions in the 11th century, further diminished its political and economic significance. However, it remained an important religious center.

In the 13th century, the Hafsid dynasty brought a period of revival to Kairouan. They restored many of the city's mosques and madrasas, emphasizing its religious importance. The Hafsids' efforts preserved Kairouan's status as a spiritual hub in the region.

In the modern era, Kairouan has been recognized for its rich historical and cultural heritage. In 1988, the city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Kairouan continues to attract visitors from around the world, drawn by its historical monuments, vibrant souks, and deep cultural roots.

Kairouan is located in central Tunisia and is accessible from several major cities. The nearest international airport is Tunis-Carthage International Airport, approximately 160 kilometers away. From Tunis, you can take a louage (shared taxi) or a bus to Kairouan. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Another option is to fly into Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, located about 90 kilometers away.

Kairouan is a relatively small city, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local taxis are readily available and affordable. The city also has a bus network connecting various parts of Kairouan and nearby towns. Louages (shared taxis) are a popular and cost-effective way to travel between cities in Tunisia. Car rentals are available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

The official currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Kairouan, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

Kairouan is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Kairouan doesn't have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 197 for police assistance and 190 for medical emergencies. Kairouan has a local police station and medical facilities to handle emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a simple 'Salam'. Avoid physical contact with the opposite gender unless initiated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kairouan like a local, visit the local markets (souks) where you can buy traditional Tunisian goods and crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Great Mosque of Kairouan and the Aghlabid Basins, which are significant historical landmarks. For a unique experience, try the local specialty, Makroud, a delicious date-filled pastry.