Great Mosque of Testour, Islamic monument in Testour, Tunisia
The Great Mosque of Testour is an Islamic building featuring a 23-meter minaret topped with an octagonal tower decorated in enameled ceramic work. The structure contains a prayer hall with nine naves, a central courtyard, and two domes positioned above the main passage, supported by seven bays.
Muhammad Tagharinu commissioned this building after settling in Testour in 1609 and saw its completion in 1631. This construction period marked the establishment of a major religious monument in the region.
The mosque displays a blend of Moorish and Ottoman influences visible in its stone columns and semicircular arches. Visitors can observe how multiple cultural traditions have layered themselves into this structure over time.
The prayer hall and central courtyard provide space for worshippers during daily prayer times. Visitors should respect local customs by wearing appropriate clothing when entering the sanctuary.
A sundial created by Ahmed al-Harrar in 1761 stands in the large courtyard surrounded by antique stone columns. This instrument reveals the scientific knowledge that existed in the region beyond its practical timekeeping function.
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