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| − | {{Infobox World Heritage Site
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| − | | WHS = Kairouan
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| − | | Image = [[Image:Kairouan-mosquee-cimetiere.jpg|275px|Mosque of Uqba]]
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| − | | State Party = {{TUN}}
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| − | | Type = Cultural
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| − | | Criteria = i, ii, iii, v, vi
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| − | | ID = 499
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| − | | Region = [[Arab States]]
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| − | | Year = 1988
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| − | | Session = 12th
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| − | | Link = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/499
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| − | }}
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| − | '''Kairouan''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]] القيروان) (also known as '''Kirwan''', and '''Al Qayrawan''') is the capital of the [[Kairouan Governorate]] in the nation of [[Tunisia]], about 160 kilometers (100 mi) south of the capital city of [[Tunis]].
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| − | Kairouan was founded in 670 C.E., when the [[Arab]] [[Umayyad]] general [[Uqba ibn Nafi]] selected the location as a base for military operations. The Mosque of Uqba, also known as the Great Mosque of Kairouan, was built when the city was founded. The [[mosque]] covers a surface area of 900 square meters (9688 sq ft). It served as a model for all later mosques in the [[Maghreb]] of the western [[Islamic world]].
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| − | Under the [[Aghlabid]]s, the fame of the Mosque of Uqba and of the other holy sites at Kairouan aided the [[city]]'s development. By the ninth century C.E. the city had become a center of Islamic thought, due both to its mosque and the [[university]], which was a center of [[education]] both in [[Islam]]ic thought and in the secular [[science]]s. Despite the transfer of the political capital to [[Tunis]] in the twelfth century, Kairouan remained the Maghreb's principal holy city.
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| − | Declared a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] in 1988, [[tourism]], the establishment of a university there in 2004, and the establishment of light industry, helped revive the city's economy. In 2003 the city had 150,000 inhabitants.
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| − | ==Geography==
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| − | The original name of the city was derived from the [[Arabic]] word ''kairuwân,'' meaning "camp," "caravan," or "resting place."
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| − | Kairouan is located on the Low Steppes area of [[Tunisia]], a semi-arid alluvial plain southeast of the Central Tell, about 100 miles (160km) south of [[Tunis]], at an elevation of 223 feet (68 meters).
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| − | Kairouan has a semi-arid Mediterranean [[climate]], with hot [[summer]]s and mild [[winter]]s, when there is more [[rain]]fall. Spring and autumn are pleasant. The average maximum daytime [[temperature]] in January is 63.5°F (17.5°C), rising to an average maximum of around 99.5°F (37.5°C) in July. Mean annual precipitation is 12.1 inches (309mm).
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| − | Environmental issues include health risks posed by ineffective toxic and [[hazardous waste]] disposal, [[water pollution]] from raw [[sewage]], and limited natural fresh water.
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| − | To protect Kairouan city against flooding from Wadi Merguellil, the El Haouareb [[dam]] was constructed in 1989.
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| − | ==History==
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| − | [[Image:Mosque in the main street - Kairouan - Tunisia - 1895.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Mosque on Kairouan's main street, 1895.]]
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| − | [[Image:Kairouan-scene-de-rue.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Kairouan street scene.]]
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| − | [[Image:TUNISIE_KAIROUAN_01.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ancient sun-baked buildings.]]
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| − | [[Image:TUNISIE_KAIROUAN_03.jpg|thumb|250px|Fortifications against past foes.]]
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| − | Evidence of human habitation in [[North Africa]]n regions stretches back one or two million years. [[Berber]]s (anciently more often known as [[Libyans]] occupied the region since about 8000 years ago). [[Phoenicia]]ns settled the coast around 1000 B.C.E., and the city of [[Carthage]], near present-day [[Tunis]], was founded in the ninth century B.C.E. by settlers from [[Tyre (Lebanon)|Tyre]].
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| − | Kairouan was founded in 670 C.E., when the [[Arab]] [[Umayyad]] general [[Uqba ibn Nafi]] (622–683) selected a site in the middle of a dense [[forest]], then full of wild beasts and [[reptile]]s, as a base for military operations, and far enough from the [[sea]] that it was safe from continued attacks of the [[Berber]]s who had fiercely resisted the Arab invasion. Karouan became an essential element of the Islamic conquest of [[Ifriqiya]], the area comprising the coastal regions of what became western [[Libya]], [[Tunisia]], and eastern [[Algeria]],
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| − | Berbers captured Kairouan in 688, and again in 745, by which time it was a developed city with luxuriant gardens and [[olive]] groves.
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| − | Power struggles continued until [[Ibrahim ibn al-Aghlab]] (756-812) recaptured Kairouan at the end of the eighth century. In 800, Ibrahim was confirmed [[Emir]] and hereditary ruler of [[Ifriqiya]], by the [[Caliph]] in [[Baghdad]]. [[Aghlab]]'s dynasty ruled Ifriqiya between 800 and 909. Kairouan prospered, with wealth comparable to that of [[Basra]] and [[Kufa]], giving Tunisia one of its golden ages.
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| − | [[Aghlabite]] Emir Ziyadat Allah I rebuilt the great [[mosque]] in 836, and Emir Abou Ibrahim Ahmed added to it in 862-863.
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| − | Within the mosque was a university that became a center of Islamic thought and secular sciences, attracting scholars from all over the [[Islamic World]], including [[Imam]] [[Sahnun]] (776–854), and [[Asad ibn al-Furat]] (759-828). The [[Aghlabite]]s built palaces, fortifications, and fine waterworks, and conquered [[Sicily]] in 827.
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| − | The Aghlabid emirs enjoyed personal and political excesses, made possible by the lucrative slave trade, prompting the emergence of the [[Maliki]] school, which is one of the four schools of ''Fiqh'' (religious law or jurisprudence) within [[Sunni]] Islam.
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| − | In 893, [[Kutama]] Berbers from the west of the country started the [[Shiite]] [[Fatimid]] movement. Fatimid Obaid Allah in 909 overthrew the [[Sunni]] [[Aghlabite]]s, creating the Shiite Fatimid dynasty. Kairouan was neglected as Obaid Allah, who ruled from 910-934, resided first in Raqqada but soon moved his capital to [[Al Mahdiyah]], founded in 916, on the coast of modern Tunisia.
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| − | The [[Fatimid]]s extended their rule over all of central [[Maghreb]], an area including modern [[Morocco]], [[Algeria]], [[Tunisia]] and [[Libya]], and moved west to [[Egypt]] to found [[Cairo]], making it the capital of their vast [[Califate]], and leaving the [[Zirids]], a Kutama Berber dynasty, as their vassals in [[Ifriqiya]].
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| − | Governing again from Kairouan, the governing Fatimids, the Berber [[Zirid]] dynasty, led the country through another artistic, commercial and agricultural heyday. [[School]]s and universities flourished, overseas [[trade]] in local manufactures and farm produce ran high, and Zirid courts were centers of refinement eclipsing those of their [[Europe]]an contemporaries.
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| − | In 947-948, the third caliph, [[Al-Mansour]], founded the new city of Sabra Al-Monsouria 1.5km south of Kairouan. However, the Fatimid caliphate transferred to Cairo in 972.
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| − | But the [[Zirids]] converted to [[Sunni]] Islam in 1045, declared their independence from [[Cairo]], and gave their allegiance to [[Baghdad]]. The Fatimid Caliph [[Ma'ad al-Mustansir Billah]] (1029–1094) sent hordes of Arab tribes ([[Banu Hilal]] and [[Banu Sulaym]]) to invade Ifriqiya.
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| − | In 1057, Kairouan was invaded and sacked. Kairouan declined into an isolated market town for [[nomad]]s, although it retained its status as the holy city of the [[Maghreb]].
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| − | In 1159, Tunisia was conquered by the [[Almohad]]s, caliphs of [[Morocco]] (1130–1269), who sought to purify [[Islam]]ic doctrines. From 1160, [[Tunis]] became the capital.
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| − | The [[Almohad Dynasty]] was succeeded by the [[Hafsids Dynasty]] (c.1230–1574), under whom Tunisia prospered. In the last years of the Hafsids, [[Spain]] seized many of the coastal cities, but these were recovered for Islam by the [[Ottoman Empire]]. The Ottoman Empire was comprised mostly of Turks with governors or Beys, under whom Tunisia attained virtual independence.
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| − | In the late sixteenth century, the coast became a [[pirate]] stronghold. The [[piracy]] carried on thereafter by the [[Muslim]]s of [[North Africa]] began as part of the wars against [[Spain]]. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when the [[Turkey|Turkish]] hold on the area grew weaker, the plunder, ransom, and [[slaves]] that resulted from attacks on [[Mediterranean]] towns and shipping and from occasional forays into the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] became the main source of revenue for local Muslim rulers.
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| − | In the spring of 1881, [[France]] invaded Tunisia, claiming that Tunisian troops had crossed the border to [[Algeria]], France's main colony in Northern Africa. The French, controlled Kairouan until 1956, having established a protectorate system of administration that recognized the nominal authority of local government.
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| − | Violent resistance to French rule boiled up in 1954. Independence from France was achieved on March 20, 1956, as a [[constitutional monarchy]] with the Bey of Tunis, Muhammad VIII al-Amin Bey, taking the title King of Tunisia.
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| − | In 1957, [[Habib Bourguiba]] (1903–2000) became prime minister, immediately abolishing the [[monarchy]], and establishing a strict state under the Neo-Destour (New Constitution) party. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing [[Islam]]ic [[fundamentalism]] and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation.
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| − | [[Image:Kairuan.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Panorama of the minaret and the courtyard (on the right) of the Great Mosque of Kairouan.]]
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| − | ==Government==
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| − | [[Image:TUNISIE_KAIROUAN_02.jpg|thumb|right|225px|This tiered minaret is a remnant of a golden age.]]
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| − | [[Image:TUNISIE_KAIROUAN_04.jpg|thumb|right|225px|A dome of the Great Mosque.]]
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| − | [[Tunisia]] is a republic in which the president, who is chief of state, is elected by popular vote for a five-year term, and has no term limits. The prime minister, who is head of government, is appointed by the president. There is Chamber of Deputies, or Majlis al-Nuwaab, comprising 189 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, and the Chamber of Advisors, comprising 126 seats of which 85 members are elected by municipal counselors, deputies, mayors, professional associations and trade unions, and 41 members are presidential appointees.
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| − | Kairouan is the capital of the [[Kairouan Governorate]], which is one of Tunisia's 24 [[governorate]]s, and which are divided into 262 districts ''(mutamadiyat),'' and further subdivided into ''delegations.'' There are 11 delegations in Kairouan, which are further divided into [[municipality|municipalities]].
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| − | ==Economy==
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| − | [[Tourism]] has made an impact on Kairouan since it was declared a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1988, most notably by providing a reason for the conservation of the old city and the development of the town’s [[Musée d’Art Islamique]]. According to statistics released in December 2008, Tunisia hosted, during the first 11 months of 2008, around 6.6 million tourists, an increase of 3.7 percent on the previous year.
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| − | The establishment of a [[university]] in 2004, and of some light [[industry]] meant the town has expanded quickly. Otherwise, the modern city trades in [[grain]] and [[livestock]] from the surrounding region, and exists as a center for [[carpet]] and [[handicrafts]]. A [[road]] and [[railway]] link Kairouan with Sousse, 38 miles (61km) to the east.
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| − | ==Demographics==
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| − | Kairouan had about 150,000 inhabitants in 2003. Ninety eight percent of Tunisia's [[population]] were [[Arab]], one percent were [[Europe]]an, while [[Jewish]] and others totaled one percent. [[Arabic language|Arabic]] is the official [[language]], and one of the languages of commerce, while [[French language|French]] is used in commerce.
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| − | [[Muslim]]s make up 98 percent of the population, [[Christian]]s one percent, Jewish and other one percent. There are numerous [[mosque]]s in Kairouan, including the great mosque. [[Judaism]] featured in Kairouan's history, particularly in the early [[Middle Ages]]. Rabbeinu Chananel (990-1053), who is best known for his commentary on the [[Talmud]], was from Kairouan.
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| − | Kairouan University had more than 3000 students enrolled in 2008.
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| − | ==Places of interest==
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| − | The Mosque of Uqba, also known as the [[Great Mosque of Kairouan]], which has a 115-foot- (35-meter) high minaret, is regarded as a significant monument to Islam, and an architectural masterpiece. Built by [[Uqba ibn Nafi]] from 670 C.E., at the founding of the city of Kairouan, the mosque has an area of 900 square meters and is considered as a model for all later mosques in the [[Maghreb]]. There are 414 columns in the mosque, almost all of which were taken from the ruins of [[Carthage]]. Other sites of interest include:
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| − | * The Medina of Kairouan, the skyline of which includes cupolas and minarets of numerous mosques and ''zawiyas'' (religious schools), preserves a network of narrow, winding streets and courtyard houses, and is contained within walls and gates.
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| − | * The [[souk]]s (market places) in the [[Medina quarter]], has for sale carpets, vases, and [[leather]] goods. Merchants rely on [[tourism|tourists]] for much of their income.
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| − | * The Zawiya of Sīdī Sahab, which contains the [[tomb]] of [[Abu Djama]] one of the companions of [[Muhammad]], is located next to the Great Mosque.
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| − | * An Aghlabid reservoir, an open circular pool 420 feet (128 meters) in diameter, which dates from the ninth century.
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| − | Kairouan is known for its pastries—[[zlebia]] and [[makroudh]]. In the action movie ''Raiders of the Lost Ark,'' the street scenes in "Cairo" were filmed in Kairouan.
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| − | ==Looking to the future==
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| − | Kairouan dazzled the world 1,200 years ago with wealth comparable to that of [[Basra]] and [[Kufa]], and as a center of [[Islam]]ic thought and secular [[science]]. A little under 1000 years ago, a split within Islam led to the destruction of that once glorious city. Declared a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1988, [[tourism]], the establishment of another [[university]] there in 2004, plus the establishment of light industry, has helped revive the city's economy.
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| − | While Tunisia struggles to reach even higher growth levels to create sufficient employment for an already large number of unemployed as well as the growing population of university graduates, Kairouan's old buildings continue to attract a steady flow of international visitors each year, which is a goldmine for the city's economy.
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| − | ==References==
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| − | * Armes, William Dallam. 1915. ''The African Mecca; the holy city of Kairouan.'' Berkeley: University of California Press. OCLC 30001203
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| − | * Maoudoud, Khaled. 1992. ''Kairouan: history of the city and its monuments.'' [Tunis]: National Heritage Agency. ISBN 9789973917065
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| − | * Office national du tourisme tunisien. 1984. ''Tunisia: Kairouan.'' [Tunis]: Tunisian National Tourist Office. OCLC 55479562
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| − | * Petrie, Graham. 1908. ''Tunis, Kairouan & Carthage.'' London: W. Heinemann. OCLC 412710
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| − | * Sebag, Paul, and André Martin. 1965. ''The Great Mosque of Kairouan.'' London: Collier-Macmillan. OCLC 1122988
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| − | *''UNESCO World Heritage Centre''. [http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=499 Kairouan] Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | * ''World Fact Book''. 2008. [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ts.html Tunisia] Retrieved December 4, 2008.
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| − | ==External links==
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| − | {{commons|Kairouan|Kairouan}}
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| − | * LookLex [http://lexicorient.com/tunisia/kairouan.htm Tunisia: Kairouan] Retrieved December 7, 2008.
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| − | *[http://www.kairouan.org Kairouan official website] Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | *Tourismtunisia.com [http://www.tourismtunisia.com/togo/kairouan/kairouan.html Kairouan] Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | *[http://www.flshk.rnu.tn/ Kairouan University] Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | *[http://www.tunisia.com/Tunisia/Travel/Tunisia-Travel-Guides/Northern-Tunisia/Kairouan Tunisia.com] Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | *[http://www.muslimheritage.com/topics/default.cfm?ArticleID=324 Al-Qayrawan], MuslimHeritage.com, Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | *[http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=33&letter=K#82 Kairwan], JewishEncyclopedia.com, Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | *[http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Tunisia.html Tunisia] WorldStatesmen.org, Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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| − | [[Category:Geography]]
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| − | [[Category:Cities]]
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| − | [[Category:Africa]]
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| − | [[category:Islam]]
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| − | [[Category:World Heritage Sites]]
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| − | {{credit|Kairouan|253956755|}}
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