Feb 21 • 17:00 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

The Story of a Mosque: The 'Sahib Al-Taba' Mosque in Tunisia Founded by a Minister and Built by Prisoners

The 'Sahib Al-Taba' Mosque in Tunis, founded by Minister Yusuf Sahib Al-Taba, stands as a unique cultural and educational hub that reflects the historical context of the city before French colonization.

In the heart of the old city of Tunis, Minister Yusuf Sahib Al-Taba, appointed by Bey Hamouda Pasha al-Husseini, established the mosque that bears his name. This mosque, known as the 'Sahib Al-Taba Mosque', is significant as it was the last mosque built in Tunisia before the onset of French occupation. It served not only as a religious site but also as a cultural, social, and political gathering place for the residents of the Halfaouine neighborhood, according to Mutaz Okasha, a founding member of the Sahib Al-Taba Islamic Culture Association.

Hamida Nifer, head of Islamic Studies at the Bayt Al-Hikma, emphasized the mosque's role as a center for education and community building, highlighting its contributions to family development and social solidarity. The mosque has historical importance, as it is uniquely associated with a minister who commissioned its construction and has personal significance due to his connections with Bey Hamouda Pasha al-Husseini. Such associations underline the mosque's cultural relevance beyond mere architectural value.

Nadia Bou Saidi, an expert in Islamic history and archaeology, noted the architectural uniqueness of the mosque, which employed a mixture of building materials and styles. This distinctive combination of colors and elements sourced from various European countries has resulted in a remarkable aesthetic that sets the mosque apart from others. This not only demonstrates the minister’s influence and status but also reflects the intertwining of different cultures leading to a unique Tunisian architectural heritage.

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