One aspect that stands out prominently in Tunisia's cultural tapestry is its exquisite mosques. It’s the center of Medina and each mosque tells a story of the country's culture and history.

In this article, we will explore the significance of the mosques, their essential parts, and we will offer valuable tips for those looking to visit these spiritual places and architectural unique marvels.

What is a Mosque?

A mosque, or "masjid" in Arabic, is a place of worship for followers of Islam. Beyond serving as places for prayer, mosques often play central roles in communities, serving as educational centers, social hubs, and symbols of cultural identity. Tunisia, being a predominantly Muslim country, boasts a collection of mosques that reflect its rich Islamic history.

Mosque Okba, kairouan, Tunisia © By Haythem Gataa

Essential Parts of a Mosque

When exploring the mosques, it's essential to understand their key components.

The 3 main obvious and big parts of a mosque are the Minarets, the prayer room and the Sahn.

The Minaret is a tall tower that serves as a visual focal point and traditionally calls Muslims to prayer.

The Sahn or the courtyard is a part of the Masjid that provides an open space. When the prayer room is full, people sometimes pray in the Sahn, especially during the prayer of Friday, Al Eid prayer or Al Tarawih prayer during the nights of Ramadan. In the summer, many mosques choose to pray in the Sahn for the breeze outside.

The prayer room as its name suggests serves for praying and reading the Quran. There is also a women dedicated section. In the prayer room there is the Minbar of Imam, used to preach during the Friday prayers, the Mihrab, a niche in the Mosque’s wall which indicates the direction of Mecca. And a library that contains Quran books essentially.

There are two other important hidden parts in almost each Masjid:

As Muslims need to perform 'Wudhu' before praying, involving washing themselves first as a ritual purification, this necessitates a spacious bathroom. This aspect is crucial since Wudhu is obligatory. This bathroom is referred to as Al Midha.

The second one is essential for the Mosque staff: The Imam Room. This is where they store everything related to the Mosque, including clean clothes for the Imam to wear before praying and materials for broadcasting the Adhan.

Note that not all the mosques have all these parts, some mosques don’t have a courtyard, some small mosques do not pray the Friday prayer as they choose to let this prayer for the bigger Masjid in the area. You may find Masjids without Minaret as well.

3 dimensional views of Mosque Okba Ibn Nafa © By Tachymetre

Can Non-Muslims Visit the Mosque?

One common question for tourists is whether non-Muslims are welcome to visit these sacred places. In Tunisia, the general answer is yes. However, it's highly recommended to inquire with the Mosque staff if visiting the Sahn and glimpsing into the prayer room is permitted. Consider yourself fortunate if they grant permission to ascend the Minaret and observe the city from above. It's also advisable to visit the Mosque as part of an organised tour or with a guide. It's important to be respectful and adhere to specific guidelines.

Tips for Visiting the Mosques of Tunisia

1. Dress Conservatively: Wear modest clothing. Men should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts. Women should wear long clothes and carry a headscarf to cover their hair.
2. Check Accessibility: While many mosques are open to non-Muslims, some may have restrictions. Between two prayers, the mosque may be closed. It’s better to plan your visit ahead.
3. Maintain Silence: Mosques are places of worship; ensure you remain quiet and refrain from loud conversations.
4. No Alcohol or Smoking: It's preferable to refrain from alcohol, smoking, and anything that may leave a strong odour on you. Keep in mind that Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque if they have consumed onions, as it may leave a lingering scent on the person.
5. Guided Tours: To enhance your experience, consider joining guided tours to gain a deeper understanding of the mosque's history and significance. This is highly recommanded.
6. Friday Prayer: During this prayer the Mosque and the surrounding area became very crowded with people. Maybe that’s not the perfect time for a visit inside the Mosque. But you can take a glance from outside as it is a different experience worth seeing and you can also wait 30 minutes - 1 hour to wait nearby and visit after the prayer.
7. Language Consideration: While Arabic is the primary language, French can be useful as well. However, if you talk only in English you might have some difficulties communicating with locals.

The minaret of Sidi Youssef Dey mosque © By Citizen59

Conclusion

Exploring the mosques of Tunisia offers a unique opportunity to witness the intersection of faith, history, and architecture. By respecting the cultural norms and guidelines provided, visitors can have a profound and enriching experience, gaining insights into the beauty and significance of these sacred spaces. Plan your journey thoughtfully, and let the mosques of Tunisia guide you through a captivating exploration of the country's Islamic heritage.

Excited to explore Tunisia's mosques? In our next article, we'll unveil the top must-see destinations. Stay tuned for the most captivating mosques in Tunisia!