On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the city of Kairouan hosted an intellectual gathering titled "Kairouan Through the Ages," organized by the Local Development and Cooperation Association of Kairouan. The event, held at the association's headquarters in Sidi Bouhela, drew a number of civil society activists interested in the city's history and architectural and cultural heritage.

The meeting provided a platform for attendees to share and discuss their research and findings on Kairouan's history. Fathi Kmicha, a Kairouan native residing in Scotland and a researcher in Kairouan's history, revealed that he has been collecting historical documents related to the city from Western countries. He has also acquired journals, books, and documents that shed light on various aspects of the city's history and transformations across different eras.

Kmicha's research focuses on the period spanning from the Hilali conquest to the period preceding the French occupation, a historical stage during which he seeks to gather sources and documents that can contribute to documenting Kairouan's history and highlighting its various milestones. The gathering served as an opportunity to revive the city's historical memory and introduce its architectural and cultural specificities.

The event also facilitated an exchange of views on the importance of researching historical documents and collecting sources that can enrich knowledge of Kairouan's history. This initiative falls within the efforts aimed at preserving the city's collective memory and valorizing its heritage, which enhances awareness of the importance of safeguarding the historical legacy and transmitting it to future generations.

The gathering was marked by a presentation of the collected documents and a discussion of their significance in understanding the city's history. Attendees emphasized the need for continued research and documentation to ensure the preservation of Kairouan's cultural heritage.

The Local Development and Cooperation Association of Kairouan has been actively involved in promoting the city's cultural and historical significance. The association's efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the city's heritage and to encourage further research and documentation.

The intellectual gathering in Kairouan concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving the city's historical memory and promoting its cultural heritage. The event highlighted the importance of continued research and documentation in understanding and safeguarding the city's rich history.

Key points

  • The gathering aimed to revive Kairouan's historical memory and introduce its architectural and cultural specificities.
  • The event facilitated an exchange of views on the importance of researching historical documents and collecting sources.
  • The initiative falls within the efforts aimed at preserving the city's collective memory and valorizing its heritage.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.