Tunisia- Halfaouine neighborhood reflects the history of ancient Tunisia.

Date: 27/05/2022

Location: Tunis- Tunisia

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:05:33

Sound: Natural

Source: A24 Tunis

Restrictions: A24 Subscribers

Storyline:

The Halfaouine neighborhood is a historical landmark in the old city of the Tunisian capital, Tunis.

The ancient neighborhood, dates back to the Hafsid empire whose rule ended in the 16th century, had been a destination in the past for Tunisian intellectuals to meet at its old coffeehouses and share knowledge.

The neighborhood has recently turned into a popular market with a warren of small houses, winding alleys and cafes.

The ancient district included many monuments, some of which still exist, such as the Youssef Sahib Ettaba’a mosque and Khaznadar Palace.

In 1872, the city’s council carried out a repair and renovation by demolishing some houses, with aim of ventilation for some crowded places.

Shot list:

Soundbite (Adel El-Wati – Researcher in the history of Tunisia):

“Around the 11th century, Halfaouine district used to be a destination for people who wanted to settle away from unrest and revolutions. Earlier it used to be an empire for Hafsid whose rule ended in the 16th century.

Soundbite (Adel El-Wati – Researcher in the history of Tunisia):

“Then Youssef Sahib Ettaba’a came and reconstructed the area. Gradually the population began to increase especially after Mustafa Khaznadar came and built his palace.”

Soundbite (Adel El-Wati – Researcher in the history of Tunisia):

“The district used to be crowded, but in 1872, the municipal council decided to carry out architectural reforms in the city and they demolished some houses.”

Soundbite (Adel El-Wati – Researcher in the history of Tunisia):

“Halfaouine district has many landmarks, some of which have disappeared. After independence, we made several urban developments. The most prominent landmarks are Youssef Sahib Ettaba’a mosque and near there you can see grain stores and horse stables. Other landmarks are Mustafa Khaznadar Palace, the new covered market, which was founded by Youssef Sahib Ettaba’a.”

Soundbite (Adel El-Wati – Researcher in the history of Tunisia):

“Several coffeehouses were recorded in the census record of1843, which is preserved in the Tunisian National Archives, but only a few of them still exist now. These coffeehouses were a destination for writers and poets during the 19th-20th century. Now the district has become a popular market full of street vendors.”