In Kairouan, the craft of copper artisans “Nhayssi” are found in an area of the souk called the “Nhayassia,” an arfea characterized by the continuous tapping and cutting of copper for pots and pans that are all manually produced. This is a centuries-old tradition. Copper is famous for its nobility and its excellent heat-transfusion qualities. It has always been used by great chefs who combine the art of living with that of cooking.

The dowry of the Kairouanese bride is known as “Farch,” and contains, in addition to bed covers (“Abanaand tajlila”), mattresses, and the famous Kairouanese carpets, kitchen utensils that, according to tradition, should be made of copper. In the typical trousseau will be found the following objects :

• Kerouana diverses – round casseroles with lids
• Makfoul marmite with a couscous double boiler
• Makla – a flat pan with handles
• Brik and lian broc – a small recipient in which to wash hands after meals
• Tassa and taffala – utensils needed for the hammam. One will contain water, and the other will hold “Tfal” (clay and wild geranium)
• Kassaa – a large basin in which to wash clothes.

At the end of every year, starting in the month of Chaoual (preceding Ramadan, the moth of fasting), Kairouanese go in great numbers to the copper smith to have all their kitchen utensils dipped (“Tqasdir”).

Mohamed Rebai
info@kairouan.org