The construction of the building goes back to a scholar from Kairouan named El Jedidi who wanted to integrate the teaching of religious sciences. After his death in 1384 AD, his disciple Abou Samir El Ghariani (of Djebel Gharian) of his true name (Sayh Abu Abdallah Mohamed Ben Abdelaziz Sboui) pursued his work until he died in 1402 AD.

The building includes three compartments : The tomb of Sidi Abid, plus several other tombs. In particular, the tomb of the Hafside sovereign Moulay Hassen, the court and oratory (speech) room, and finally the Medersa (Coranic school).

Beautiful architecture decorated with woods and marbles dates back to the XIVth AD.

More than 70 ‘zaouias’ were occupied by more than 140 families. The Zaouia of Sidi Abid Al Ghariani served as a sleeping place during the 1960s to 5 families. At that time, the 1st room on the right of the main floor was used as a Kouttab (place where kids and young men learn how to read and write and rote-learn the Coran).

This Zaouia was restored in the 1970s and today hosts Association for the Safeguard of the Medina.

Mohamed Rebai
info@kairouan.org