Built during the 9th / 15th century by Sidi Kacem, the mausoleum has been transformed into a museum of ceramics. It consists of an entrance hall leading to a ceramics workshop, and to a patio surrounded by rooms and a funeral space. The courtyard galleries and alcoves have been converted into exhibition spaces for ceramic objects. This collection traces different eras of Muslim history in Tunisia, and also includes objects of Persian origin.
Ceramic objects dating back to the Aghlabid era can be identified by the use of metallic lustre, archaic Kufic script, and stylised zoomorphic and anthropomorphic drawings as decoration. The pieces dating back to the Fatimid period are illustrated with animated scenes in blue on a white background.
Hafsid ceramics are distinguished by the absence of illustrated scenes in favour of geometric motifs with floral decoration in which cobalt blue and manganese brown dominate. There are also ceramic tiles dating back to the Ottoman era, some of which are decorated with bouquets of flowers.
Address(es)
Musée de Sidi Kacem Al-Jalizi
rue du 9 Avril
Tunis, Tunisia
T +216 71 321452
F +216 71 562452
Conservatrice et Responsable de la collection
Radhia Ben M’barek