The Zitouna mosque was built in the heart of the medina of Tunis. ‘Zitouna’ means ‘olive tree’ and originates from the Mosque’s founder who taught the Koran under an olive tree. It was not only the most important mosque in the city but also developed as a medieval university. 

It became renowned throughout the Arab world. The minaret of this Great Mosque dates from the end of the 19^th century but the original building was probably started by the Omayyads in 732 and completed by the Aghlabids in 864. This Great Mosque has certainly been enlarged and adjusted almost every century since, which was typical of every Great Mosque in an expanding major city. Although the Zitouna looks to the untrained eye to be older than its better finished contemporary at Kairouan, the two are likely to have been built at much the same time. 

The  Zitouna Mosque is right in the centre of the city’s souks and it is partly this link with the mercantile interests of the city that helped the university to develop to such a high standard. It is known that the Zitouna flourished as a centre for Islamic studies from 1228-1535, during the Hafsid dynasty. As many as 15,000 students came from all over Tunisia to study here and at the Sadiki College in more modern times. The Zitouna Imams consequently wielded great power and influence right into the 20^th century and Bourguiba certainly earned their disapproval. During the 1960’s Bourguiba revoked the Zitouna’s status as a theological university but this was quickly reinstated by the following President, Ben Ali.

Visitors to the Mosque should wear modest dress, with long skirts and the upper arms should also be covered. Non-Muslims are allowed into the huge open courtyard which is surrounded by columned arches, but not into the mosque prayer hall. It is open to the public from 8-11am every day except Friday. Compared to other mosques the Zitouna mosque does not have a lot to see beyond the courtyard, but the surrounding lively souk more than makes up for it.