The Medina of Tunis

This documentary explores the multicultural layers of the Medina of Tunis in a journey which celebrates the Medina’s tangible and intangible heritage.

Acknowledging a long history of settlement – Libyan, Phoenician, Roman – since the 9th century BCE, the Medina of Tunis and its emergence as an important capital city, can be traced to the rise of Islam in the 7th century CE and the later Aghlabid dynasty (800-909). According to UNESCO, Tunis was subsequently considered to be one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the Islamic world during the reign of the Almohads and the Hafsids between the 12th and 16th centuries and the Medina is well preserved despite the subsequent growth beyond the walls. Over the centuries, the Medina has served as an important node of encounter and exchange – between the Maghreb, southern Europe and the Levant – which continues to shape the arts, crafts and architecture. Today, this historical urban quarter of Tunis continues to thrive through new initiatives and events. Covering approximately 280 ha, the Medina features all the components of an Arab-Muslim city, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, souks and fountains. Considered together, this urban ensemble is among the best preserved in the Islamic world. Moreover, the Medina’s distinct intangible heritage is as diverse as its urban heritage. This documentary explores the historical developments of the Medina and the rich and varied offerings of music and food as well as arts and handicrafts.