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The Central Coast
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The destinations of Central Tunisia are thriving modern cities in the midst of which have been preserved some of the most important sites in the Islamic world.
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| Great Mosque at Sousse |
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| Great Mosque at Kairouan |
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Founded during the First Century of Islam by companions of the Prophet Mohammed, the inland city of Kairouan thrived under the Aghlabid Dynasty from the beginning of the Ninth Century. Visitors to this tolerant city of domes and minarets are invited into the courtyard of its monumental Great Mosque and should also stroll through the medina and visit the Aghlabid Pools.
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In addition to their modern appeal, Sousse and Sfax have walled medinas with portions, such as the towering Sousse Ribat and both Great Mosques, which date from the Ninth Century Aghlabid period. In Sousse, there is the Archeological Museum; in Sfax, Dar Jellouli Museum of Popular Tradition
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| Modern Sousse |
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| Town of Sousse |
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Modern Port El Kantaoui
near Sousse |
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In the Tenth Century, the Fatimids took power from the Aghlabids and founded their first capital at Mahdia on a long thin peninsula where one is seldom more than 100 meters far from the sea. The most precious legacy of this city is the restored Ninth Century Great Mosque, the medieval Skifa el Kahla Gate, and a new Regional Museum. This pretty, pleasant town also has a large Friday Market, a busy fishing port and a thriving silk hand weaving industry.
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