Souks of Tunis, Tunis (must see)
The Souks of Tunis are a series of markets located in the old city. There are many souks with their own unique specialties. The majority of these souks were built in the 13th century close to the Al-Zaytuna Mosque.
Souk El Berka was built in 1612 by Yusuf Dey. It is noted for being the old souk of black slaves in the city. A platform stood in the midst of the souk where slaves were bid on. Slavery was outlawed in the country in 1846 and the souk began selling jewelry instead of slaves.
Souk Ech-Chaouachine consists of three souks. They were built by Mohammed Bey El Mouradi in 1692. Souk Ech-Chaouachine specializes in skull caps using the Andalusian style of creating these chachias, the traditional Tunisian hat.
Souk El Attarine historically sold fragrances and perfumes. Today it continues to sell fragrances along with henna, baskets, beauty products and some jewelry. Souk El Bay sells precious metals. Souk El Blat historically sold medicinal plants but that practice has mostly stopped. Today, Souk El Blat primarily sells clothing. Textiles can also be purchased at Souk El Kebabgia and Souk El Kmach.
Souk Es Sabbaghine is the furthest away from the mosque because it was historically the souk of dying textiles. This is thought to be an unclean activity, which necessitated its distance from the mosque. It is now among the souks that sell clothing and accessories. Visitors will also find some fish and meat at this souk.
There are many other souks that are exciting and interesting to explore for tourists who love to shop and mingle with locals.
Souk El Berka was built in 1612 by Yusuf Dey. It is noted for being the old souk of black slaves in the city. A platform stood in the midst of the souk where slaves were bid on. Slavery was outlawed in the country in 1846 and the souk began selling jewelry instead of slaves.
Souk Ech-Chaouachine consists of three souks. They were built by Mohammed Bey El Mouradi in 1692. Souk Ech-Chaouachine specializes in skull caps using the Andalusian style of creating these chachias, the traditional Tunisian hat.
Souk El Attarine historically sold fragrances and perfumes. Today it continues to sell fragrances along with henna, baskets, beauty products and some jewelry. Souk El Bay sells precious metals. Souk El Blat historically sold medicinal plants but that practice has mostly stopped. Today, Souk El Blat primarily sells clothing. Textiles can also be purchased at Souk El Kebabgia and Souk El Kmach.
Souk Es Sabbaghine is the furthest away from the mosque because it was historically the souk of dying textiles. This is thought to be an unclean activity, which necessitated its distance from the mosque. It is now among the souks that sell clothing and accessories. Visitors will also find some fish and meat at this souk.
There are many other souks that are exciting and interesting to explore for tourists who love to shop and mingle with locals.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tunis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Souks of Tunis on Map
Sight Name: Souks of Tunis
Sight Location: Tunis, Tunisia (See walking tours in Tunis)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tunis, Tunisia (See walking tours in Tunis)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tunis, Tunisia
Create Your Own Walk in Tunis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tunis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Carthage Walking Tour
Carthage is a modern, upscale seaside suburb of Tunis and a unique place of archaeological and cultural value, situated at the site of an ancient capital of the Carthaginian (Punic) civilization, which fell to Rome in the 2nd century BC.
The settlement was founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC and, after being destroyed by the Romans in the course of three Punic Wars, emerged... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The settlement was founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC and, after being destroyed by the Romans in the course of three Punic Wars, emerged... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tunis Introduction Walking Tour
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and one of the largest cities in the Arab world. Tunis was a Berber settlement founded on and around the ancient city of Carthage. The settlement of Tunis dates as far back as the 4th century BCE. It became the capital city in 1159.
The city was controlled by numerous empires over the years, which has lent to its interesting art and architecture. With influences... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The city was controlled by numerous empires over the years, which has lent to its interesting art and architecture. With influences... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Tunisian Sweets and Pastries
No Tunisian meal is complete without a lavish dessert at the end. And Tunisians do take their sweets seriously, be it fresh seasonal fruits, cakes, fried almond pastries, ice cream, doughnuts or whatever else. Some of these delights have come from Turkey, brought by soldiers of the Ottoman army;...
Tunis Souvenirs: 15 Authentic Tunisian Products for Avid Traveler
A historic crossroads of many civilizations and influences, - Berber, Spanish, French, - Tunisia is a treasure trove of mementos waiting for a knowledgeable traveler to be picked up. The Medina market of Tunis (the capital city) is one of the best places to shop for local handcrafts. To help...