SOUKS DE LA MEDINA

The term "souks" refers to a collection of stores, boutiques and workshops. They are built around a series of streets and alleys, and are grouped together by trade. In Tunis, most were built as early as the ^18th century. As well as being a tourist attraction, the medina is still the workplace of many craftsmen. The medina of Tunis is organized around the Zitouna mosque, in a concentric circle, and the souks and districts are organized around it, from the most noble to the least noble, right up to the cemetery outside the city walls. Among the souks considered noble are those for spices, silks, jewelry and carpets. The souks of blacksmiths, dyers and cabinetmakers were considered less noble and more remote.

If you want to find your way around the souks, we recommend a guided tour with a native Tunisian, such as Sami Harize, who can be reached via whatsapp on +216 98 368 817. But a visit with your nose to the wind, relying on your senses, is also highly appreciated, especially for a first discovery.

We recommend the Souk El Berka, where gold jewelry is made, mainly frequented by Tunisians.

Souk El Chaouchine is the souk where fez, the vermilion-red skullcap that is Tunisia's national headgear, is made.

Souk Blaghjia is the historic souk dedicated to babouches. Here, you can watch babouches being made by hand, a skill handed down from father to son...