Description of the attraction
The medina of Sfax is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by high battlement stone walls, built in the middle of the 10th century. Founded in the 9th century by Sultan Ahmed ibn El Aghlaba, this square (one of the few in the medieval cities of Tunisia) managed to avoid global reconstructions and has come down to us in almost its original form. It seems that the entire old square is separated from the modern and well-developed city by a two-kilometer wall with watchtowers, bastions and forts, in which small cafeterias are located. They offer a beautiful view of the city.
Sfax was constantly exposed to enemy invasions. At a time when it was still a very small city, it was plundered several times by the Bedouin tribes, in the XII century the city was captured by the Sicilians. After that, Catalans, Aragonese and finally the Hafsids attacked Sfax, who, having occupied the city in the 13th century, began to gradually restore buildings, fortress walls and architectural monuments.
The Bab Divan gate decorated with ligature with three arches leads to the Medina of Sfax. On weekends, the whole square is in full swing - famous oriental bazaars are held there, markets unfold.
In the middle of the Medina is the Great Mosque, built in the 9th century. The 17th century palace houses the Dar Jelluli Museum of Folk Traditions and Arts, which has an interesting permanent exhibition. Its exhibits include furniture, clothing, household utensils, incense, ancient weapons and valuable manuscripts. On the upper floors of the museum there is a collection of national women's clothing.
