SOUSSE, TUNISIA
Sousse or Soussa is a city in Tunisia, capital of the Sousse Governorate. Located 140 km south of the capital Tunis.
HERITAGE SITE | SOUSSE, TUNISIA
-
The 3rd largest city in Tunisia today, Sousse is a lively seaside town, ringed with luxurious and colourful resorts.
-
Its history is however quite significant. The area was occupied by ‘Uqba ibn Nāfi RA during his initial advance through North Africa. In the following centuries it became an important Muslim urban centre but never reached the stature of Kairouan or Tunis. It nevertheless made its notch in history as the embarkation point for the Arab conquest of Sicily.
-
Sousse boasts a 9th century fortress-like musjid, a Ribat – a fortress built as a home for devout Muslims who followed the knightly codes of piety and bravery; and the Kasbah (old city) which has been perfectly preserved within its ramparts. It also has the Khalef al-Fata Tower, from whose top, one has a panoramic view of the city and its hinterland.
-
The Great Musjid of Sousse was built by the Aghlabids in 851. It is adjacent to the Ribat from whence it takes its fortress-like appearance.
