|
Mahdia foundation history is closely related to troubles which agitated the first Centuries of Islam, with the appearance of Fatimides Shiite schism regarded as descendant of Fatima, prophet Mahomet's daughter.
Indeed, Ubeyd Allah, also called " El Mahdi " (the "well guided"), left Kairouan in 912 in order to choose the capital of the new Shiite dynasty of Fatimides. Its astrologers read in stars the domination of Lion sign, symbol of power, and indicate the site of Cape Africa. Thanks to its stony headland, this old Carthaginian counter forms an inexpugnable peninsula which advances of 1500 meters in the Mediterranean.
The Fatimide Prince gave it his name: Mahdia. Fortifications were built around the city. An imposing gate, "Skifa El Kahla" (the "Dark Porch"), was built at the narrowest place in order to arrange an access.
|
|
During this period, the city used to contain, in addition to Prince fief and Palace, the Large Mosque, the administration and craftsmen shops: weavers, iron-workers, jewellers, tradesmen, etc. However, the latter are constrained to live in Zouila, a suburb arranged on the continent. This bipolarity created a remarkable intellectual and artistic life.
In 973, Fatimides carried out by Caliph Al-Moez, weakened by revolts, flee to found Cairo, in Egypt. Mahdia, lost its role of Empire Capital.
|
|
In 1056, it is controlled by Zirides which finds refuge there before being the theatre of various forwarding, in particular many incursions from Norman of Sicily, Genoese and Malta Knights, until the dynasties Hafsides in 1234, Mouradite in 1612 then Husseinite in 1705.
Spanish will explode the walls in 1554 after a missed attempt to attack. Mahdia stability was assured only later by its successive repeopling by Andalusians, Greeks, Albanians and Anatolians who enriched its culture and its traditions.
Today Tunisian principal fishing port, Mahdia, chief town of Department, also constitutes starting of authentic Tunisia.
|
Copyright © Société Hôtel Palace - 2000
|
|
