Medina of Sousse, Tunisia

Medina of Sousse
The Medina, inside
Location Sousse, Governorate of Sousse, Tunisia
Coordinates 35°49′40″N 10°38′19″E / 35.82778°N 10.63861°E / 35.82778; 10.63861Coordinates: 35°49′40″N 10°38′19″E / 35.82778°N 10.63861°E / 35.82778; 10.63861
Built Early centuries of Islam
Architectural style(s) Islamic
Official name: Medina of Sousse
Type Cultural
Criteria iii, iv, v
Designated 1988 (12th session)
Reference no.
Country Tunisia
Region Arab States
Extensions 2008
Location of the Medina

The Medina of Sousse is a Medina quarter in Sousse, Governorate of Sousse, Tunisia. Designated by the UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1988, it is a typical example of the architecture of the early centuries of Islam in Maghreb. It encompasses a Kasbah, fortifications and the Great Mosque of Sousse. The Medina today houses the Archaeological Museum of Sousse.

History

The Medina of Sousse is located in the Tunisian Sahel and forms an outstanding archeological site. First, because of the time it was built (at the dawning of Islamic civilization, making it one of the earliest construction after the Islamic conquests in Maghreb). And second, because of the location of the Medina, a site that required protection against piracy and plunder.[1]

The constructions comprised in its precincts, witnessed the early post-conquest civilisations. Its architectural style, from the time of the Aghlabid, is representative of the military coastal constructions of the era, meant to be stout and imposing, so as to ward off foes.

References

  1. ↑ "UNESCO description of the site".
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