Tunis - Mosque of Sidi Mahrez

In Rue Sidi Mahrez in Tunis, which runs southeast from the square, is the Ottoman-style Mosque of Sidi Mahrez (c. 1675), with nine white domes. The 10th century marabout Mohammed Mahrez es Seddiki (the "Ascetic"), who is buried in the zaouia on the opposite side of the street, is the patron saint of Tunis. It is said that after the sacking of Tunis in 944 by the followers of the Kharijite leader Abou Yazid he encouraged his fellow-citizens to rebuild the town walls and develop trade and industry. In Rue el Monastiri, which opens off Rue Sidi Mahrez, is Dar el Monastiri, an 18th century palace with a handsome doorway.