Tunisia is home to over 6,000 mosques. Here are some of the most important and unique mosques you should visit based on their architecture, style, and cultural influence:

1. Mosque of Al Zaitouna (Tunis)

Built in 736 CE, the Al Zaitouna Mosque is located in the heart of the old Medina of Tunis. It is one of the oldest mosques in Tunisia and one of the world's oldest universities still in continuous operation. The university was transferred to a separate building during the 20th century. Ibn Khaldoun, considered the father of sociology, studied here in the 14th century.

Mosque of Al Zaitouna, Tunis © By Dr Fo.jr.tn

2. Great Mosque of Kairouan (Kairouan)

Built in 670 CE, the Great Mosque of Kairouan is known for its grand size and beautiful architectural details, including its decorations and marble columns. It is the oldest mosque in the Maghreb region and was once the most important cultural and religious center in the area. The mosque also served as a place of education.

Mosque of Al Okba Ibn Nefa, Kairouan © By Marek Szarejko

3. Mosque of Tastour (Beja)

The Mosque of Tastour, built in 1609 CE, is unique for its Andalusian architecture, established by Andalusian immigrants. Its octagonal minaret features a mechanical clock that moves counter-clockwise, symbolizing their hope of returning one day to their homeland, Andalusia, in modern-day Spain.

Mosque of Tastour © By El Golli Mohamed

4. Great Mosque of Sousse (Sousse)

Built in 851 CE during the Aghlabid dynasty, the Great Mosque of Sousse resembles a fortification (ribat) with its unique architectural style.

The great mosque of Sousse © By János Korom

5. Three Doors Mosque (Kairouan)

Built in 866 CE, the Three Doors Mosque, also known as Ibn Kayrun Mosque, is one of the oldest mosques in Tunisia. Its small size is overshadowed by its age and the well-preserved beauty of its sculpted and decorated façade.

Three Doors Mosque © By Fehmi Bouguezzi

6. Hammouda Pacha Mosque (Tunis)

Built in 1655 CE by Hammouda Pasha Bey during the Muradide era, this mosque is located within the Medina walls of Tunis. It features an octagonal minaret, green tile roof, and Turkish architecture. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 along with the entire Medina of Tunis.

Hammouda Pacha mosque © By Mourad Ben Abdallah

7. Great Mosque of Sfax (Sfax)

Built during the Aghlabid era in the 9th century, the Great Mosque of Sfax is situated in the heart of the medina, surrounded by the souq. Its minaret resembles that of the Great Mosque of Kairouan.

Great Mosque of Sfax © By Youssef Ben Saad

8. Mosque of Al Kasbah (Tunis)

Built in 1235 CE during the rule of Abu Zakariyya al-Hafsi, this mosque was one of the first monuments of the Hafsid era. It was the second mosque in Tunis to enjoy the status of a Friday mosque, after Al Zaitouna Mosque.

Mosque of Al Kasbah © By Rais67

9. Mosque of the Turks (Djerba)

Located in the center of Houmt Essouk on the island of Djerba, the Mosque of the Turks was built in the 16th century and is a national historical monument. Its style is influenced by Turkish architecture, especially the multiple domes, which are rare in Tunisian mosques.

Mosque of the Turks, Djerba © By Elced77

10. Mosque Malek Ibn Anas (Carthage)

Built in 2003, the Malek Ibn Anas Mosque in Carthage is known for its balanced design inspired by major Tunisian mosques, large oak and copper doors, and interior decorations with Andalusian-style tiles and detailed stucco. It is also known as the Mosque of El Abidin, named after the former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Mosque Malek Ibn Anas © By Asram

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Each of these mosques showcases the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Tunisia, making them must-visit destinations for anyone interested in history and culture.