Tunis - ASMA

Systematic restoration and improvement work has been carried out in the Medina in Tunis since 1974 under the direction of the Association for the Safeguard of the Medina (ASMA). At first sight the Medina may seem a confusing and impenetrable labyrinth of narrow streets and lanes; but the names of the main streets are signposted in French as well as Arabic, and with the help of a town plan visitors should be able to find their way about without too much difficulty. If they lose their way they can get their direction from the position of the sun. They should beware of the narrowest lanes (impasses), which often turn out to be blind alleys. On Fridays and increasingly on Sundays many shops in the souk quarter are closed. On other days the souk is a bustle of activity from the early morning. Many buildings - medersas (Koranic schools), zaouias, mosques, mausoleums, palaces, etc. - are not open to the public, either because they are closed to non-Muslims (since 1972 non-Muslims are admitted to the inner courtyard of a mosque only during the morning and are prohibited from entering the prayer hall at any time) or because they are private property. On the guides who will frequently offer their services.