Ez-Zitouna Mosque | Tunis

The Zitouna Mosque, also known as Ez-Zitouna Mosque (Arabic: جامع الزيتونة, meaning "Mosque of the Olive Tree"), is one of the most historically and culturally important mosques in the Arab-Islamic world. It is located in the heart of the old medina of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

Here is a detailed overview:

Historical Background

The mosque was originally constructed in 732 CE (114 AH) by Ubayd Allah ibn al-Habhab, who was the Umayyad governor of Ifriqiya (the historic Islamic term for North Africa).

The structure we see today, however, owes much of its layout and grandeur to significant renovations and enlargements during the 9th century, particularly under the Aghlabid dynasty, specifically under emir Abū Ibrāhīm Aḥmad.

Over the centuries, successive dynasties like the Fatimids, Zirids, Almohads, Hafsids, and Ottomans contributed to its restoration and embellishment.

Architectural Features

The mosque covers an area of about 5,000 square meters and is built on a large rectangular plan.

It has nine entrances and is known for its large courtyard (sahn) surrounded by arcades of horseshoe-shaped arches.

The prayer hall contains 184 ancient columns that are believed to have been taken from Roman and Byzantine ruins, notably from the ruins of Carthage. These columns are of different sizes and styles, which adds to the mosque's historic charm.

The minaret, standing about 44 meters high, was added in 1894 during the Husainid dynasty. It is square-shaped, following the traditional North African design.

Religious and Educational Importance

The Zitouna Mosque is not just a place of worship. It became a renowned center of Islamic scholarship and learning, known as the University of Ez-Zitouna.

From the 8th century onward, it served as a major intellectual hub, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world.

Subjects taught included not only theology and Islamic law (fiqh) but also sciences, mathematics, medicine, and literature.

Before the modern era, the University of Zitouna was regarded as one of the foremost institutions of learning in North Africa, comparable to Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez (Morocco) and Al-Azhar University in Cairo (Egypt).

Cultural Significance

Many prominent scholars, theologians, jurists, and literary figures of the Maghreb were associated with the Zitouna Mosque.

It played a vital role in shaping the intellectual, political, and social life of Tunisia, particularly during the medieval and early modern periods.

Even during colonial rule under France, the Zitouna Mosque remained a bastion of Islamic identity and Tunisian nationalism.

Modern Context

Today, while Tunisia has a modern university system, the Zitouna remains a symbol of Tunisia's deep historical connection to Islamic scholarship and education.

The mosque is still an active site for prayers and some religious education, though its role has changed compared to its medieval heyday.

It is a major tourist attraction in Tunis, admired for its serene beauty, historic aura, and architectural harmony.

Notable Aspects

Name Origin: "Zitouna" means "olive" in Arabic. Some traditions suggest that the mosque was built on a site where an ancient olive tree stood, hence its name.

Architecture: Besides Roman and Byzantine columns, some parts show Andalusian influence, a testament to the intermixing of styles across the Mediterranean Islamic world.

Location: It is located centrally within the Tunis medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing its religious and cultural prominence at the heart of the old city.

The Zitouna Mosque stands not just as a place of worship but as a monumental testament to the fusion of Islamic spirituality, learning, and North African architectural heritage.