Tunis is the evocative capital of Tunisia. It is characterized by the charming contrast between the medieval Arab medina (ancient walled city) and the French-built modern city. Tunis’ is a budding city whose population is now over 2 million (it has multiplied 4 times in the last 30 years). One out of every 4 Tunisians lives in the capital, a significant number considering that Tunis comprises only 0.2% of the national territory. Visit the city’s numerous religious landmarks, like the Zitouna Mosque, the Russian Orthodox Church, or the Tunis synagogue, symbols of the country’s lasting tradition of tolerance.
Explore the romantically crumbling side streets of the French city, the winding streets of the souks (medina shops) and the mosque of the patron saint of Tunis (Sidi Mahrez). Gain an in-depth understanding of the intricate and unique balance of ancient and modern, spiritual and secular, local and international, a contrast which defines Tunis today.

Tunis Medina
The European flavor of Tunis finds a sharp contrast with the wonderful maze-like medina. Find souvenirs for everyone or simply wander the winding, incense-scented alleys. Each turn reveals something new. See chechias (traditional red felt hats) being made by hand or rest in a café in waft of apple scented tobacco smoke from chichas (water pipes).

Avenue Habib Bourguiba
At the very heart of the French city lies the generous ‘Avenue Habib Bourguiba’, named for Tunisia’s first president. Lined with lush green trees and originally designed to resemble a Tunisian ‘Champs Elysées’. Wonderful examples of colonial architecture can be seen in the grand old buildings. Shops and cafés line the streets giving it a European feel mixed with a North African flavor.

Sidi Mahrez
Sidi Mahrez is Tunis’ patron saint, a man distinguished by his knowledge, piety and charity. It’s not an exaggeration to say that he deserves the past 11 hundred years of worship given the role he played during the society of his time.

Sidi Mahrez was born in 949 into a noble Tunisian family. At age 24 he had already become an important figure in Tunis, organizing the resistance against the invading Shiites of Mahdia (the capital at the time). After this victory, he set about rebuilding parts of Tunis’ crumbling medina and opening new souks after such a long period of decline.

He protected Christian shopkeepers as well as the small Jewish community who, until then wasn’t allowed within the city walls after nightfall. Legend says that Sidi Mahrez climbed the minaret of a mosque and threw his walking stick as far as possible to establish the size of the Hara, an area that would be for the Jewish community within the medina.

Sidi Mahrez’s tolerance and vision made him respected by all, regardless of religion.