The first Emir who organized the souk in the center of the old Medina (Trade and Handicraft Corporations) is Yazid Ibn Hatem El Mehallibi (773AD). He built a ‘souk’ (market) for every profession and appointed a Manager (or ‘Secretary’) “Amine”. The ‘Amine’ is carefully selected among the most qualified candidates. The organization and management style of the Souk was quickly imitated by several foreign cities.

Up to this date, the auctions held at the carpet market “souk zarbia” were conducted by a “dellal” (auctioneer) who displays and carries the item (carpet or mergoum) over his shoulder going back and forth and shouts the price out. The final price is conferred by a tradesman.

- Souk El Bikra (Jewelleries)
- Souk El Attarine (Perfumes)
- Souk El Warrakine (papers and booksellers)
- Souk El Zazzajine (Glass)
- Souk El Nahasine (copper)
- Souk El Zarbia (carpet)
- Souk El Blaghjia (leather)
- Souk El Sarrajine (settings of horses)

Mohamed Rebai
info@kairouan.org