Dar Othman, Ottoman palace in Medina district, Tunis, Tunisia.
Dar Othman is an Ottoman palace in the Medina of Tunis featuring rooms with detailed tile patterns, carved wooden ceilings, and several interior courtyards. The building combines Ottoman, Andalusian, and Tunisian architectural influences throughout its design and ornamental details.
The palace was built in the late 1500s for Othman Dey, a powerful governor who ruled Tunis for over 15 years. It was constructed during the Ottoman period when the region was blending different European and North African styles.
The palace takes its name from Othman Dey, a powerful governor whose family once lived here and received guests in these rooms. The decorated spaces reveal how wealthy families organized their daily lives and what craftsmanship they valued most.
The building stands in the historic Medina near the Zitouna Mosque and is within walking distance of other old-town landmarks and markets. Visitors should note that access to many interior rooms is restricted, so most viewing happens from the exterior or limited public areas.
An interior garden was created within the palace in 1936, showing that even the most refined spaces needed a private retreat with plants and greenery. This hidden garden remains largely inaccessible to visitors, making it a rare example of gardening within the old Medina that few ever see.
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