Al Qayrawan, also Kairouan, city in northern Tunisia, capital of Al Qayrawan Governorate. The city, a trade center for cereals, olives, sheep, wool, and skins, has manufactures that include leather goods, handicrafts, copperware, and ceramics. It was formerly known for its carpets and rose oil. Called the City of 100 Mosques, Al Qayrawan is one of the holiest of Muslim cities. The buildings with Moorish and Saracenic inscriptions date from the 9th century, and older Kufic inscriptions and Roman ruins are also found. Turreted walls and gates give the city the aspect of a medieval Arab fortress. Founded by an Arab emir in 670, the city became capital of the Ifrika province of the caliphate in the 8th century and of the Aghlabite dynasty in the 9th century. In the 11th century Al Qayrawan was capital of the Zirid dynasty, and in the 15th century it was an administrative center under the Almoravids. It was occupied by the French in 1881. Population 102,600 (1994).Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Al Qayrawan Information info
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