History of Nabeul :The modern age

Muslim Art 

From the eighteenth and nineteenth century, Nabeul has gradually acquired its final structure near its nucleus in the Mdina el Arbi (Arabic city) we know today. This was achieved through architectural works erected over the years, either spontaneously or organized. There are so many monuments which today are the essential landmarks of the town of Nabeul.
The souks are without doubt the beating heart of the city. Gathering place and trading, the souks were developed and their multiplicity reflect the economic role played by the city. Thus, many of them were built according to very specific organization in Arab-Islamic architecture which is accounted for by business corporations or sometimes through community membership: Souk al-Haddad (souk blacksmiths), Souk al-balgha (Souk slippers), Souk-el-Ihud (souk of the Israelites), Ezzit Souk (souk oil).
The town of Nabeul is famous for its doors, which form a sort of gateway to the Arab city.We then consider a few: Bab-Bled (city gate) which is the main entrance to the town of Bab-el-Khoukha, Bab-el-Zaouia.

The souks in Nabeul 

Migration came from different Tunisian cities, Kairouan Tripolitans or as Djerba, Andalusians found refuge with the fertility of the region of Cap Bon, the development of agriculture was strengthened by the arrival of the Andalusians, who participated the development by providing important enough know-how especially in irrigation. Have developed so many cultures: orange, lemon, olive, pomegranate and mulberry trees.
Thus, Nabeul gradually became a center of attraction for domestic migration flows, climate, pure air and fertility were factors that were particularly encouraged people to settle there. Thus the three cult survived. The Jewish presence prior to that of the Christian community (in modern times), reflects the feel of the city. The presence of a Jewish cemetery dating from the eighteenth century, shows very well the prior presence of this community in the city. It is estimated that in 1859-1860, the number of the Jewish population reached 500 people, which was quite important given that it formed 1/10th of the total population. It is also remarkable that the city had no light district to the Jews, the synagogue was located in the heart of the city near the Great Mosque, the same landscape are also merchants in the souks where Jews and Muslims indulged freelytrade. Nabeul was attractive to all communities and faiths, because there existed a tolerance of belief and worship copy.
by MISS-M