Historically the old walled city of Kairouan is the most important town in Tunisia. In Islam it comes directly behind Mecca, Madina and Jerusalem; 7 to 9 visits to Kairouan equal one to Mecca.
The city's main monument is the Grand Mosque founded in 670 AD, but rebuilt since. The lowest level of its minaret was built in the 8th century, making it the oldest standing minaret in the world. Just on the other side of the wall opposite the minaret is a small graveyard, which is believed to belong to just one family. The Mosque of the Three Doors is famous for its Arab inscriptions carved in its façade. The Zaouia of Sidi Sahab is the grave place of Sidi Sahab, a friend of the Prophet, is on the edge of town. Sidi Sahab always carried three hairs from Muhammed's beard, so the Zaouia is also known as Mosque of the Barber.
In the center of the medina you will find the Zaouia de Sidi Abid el Ghariani and the Bir Barouta whose waters are said to be connected to Mecca.
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