D.007 Sidi Sahib Zawiya-Madrasa Complex

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Creator

Denis Baly

Image ID

D.007

Alternate Identifier

B04.007

Subcollection

D: North Africa

Abstract

Close look at one of the many exquisite "enamel polychrome tiles" adorning the wall surface inside the elegant portico (see previous image.) An estimate of the color scheme can be obtained by zooming in on the relevant sections of the previous image. -MA

Description

The Sidi Sahib complex is named after and "built in memory of a companion of the Prophet, Abu Zama'a al-Balawi, who died in combat in the year AH 34 (AD 654)." Abu Zama'a, whose mausoleum lies within the complex, was "known affectionately as Sidi Sahbi and considered to be the patron of the town ... His mausoleum is the one most visited by the Tunisians, who flock there during the Festival of Mulud to commemorate the birth of the Prophet." In this picture, we can see the northwestern corner of the courtyard that precedes the entrance to the mausoleum and its elegant Hispano-Moorish minaret. -MA

References

Zangar, Saloua. "Sidi Sahib Zawiya and Madrasa" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2017. 2017. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;tn;Mon01;10;en

Image Notes

Creation date unknown. Processing date unknown. Formerly cataloged as B.04.007. Notes written on the slide or index: Kairouan Sidi Sahab, Zaouiat Sidi Sahab.

Curator Notes

Legacy Subcollection: "D: Kairouan"

Image Format

35 mm slide

Geographic Reference

Kairouan, Tunisia