Tunisia, like other Islamic countries, is celebrating the anniversary of the Prophet's birthday today, Wednesday. However, each region has its own rituals and ways of commemorating this occasion. The city of Kairouan has a special significance as tens of thousands of visitors flock there seeking unique spiritual experiences, which brings economic activity to the city that is not seen throughout the year. Kairouan, located in central Tunisia, is at the heart of this celebration and is a central hub around which festive activities revealing distinctive customs and traditions revolve.
Amin Yazidi, a young man in his thirties and one of the city’s visitors, told Reuters that the celebration of the Prophet's birthday is an opportunity to encourage domestic tourism and invigorate local economic activity. Karima Qaouli, who came from Algeria specifically to experience the festive atmosphere of the Prophet's birthday in Kairouan, expressed her desire to witness this religious celebration up close after being impressed by watching it on television last year. She remarked on her joy at the prayers and supplications she found at the Okba Ibn Nafi Mosque, describing the atmosphere as wonderfully spiritual.
Ghada Misaoui stated that she visits Kairouan annually and considers it a tradition she cannot forgo, as the celebration of the Prophet's birthday is not complete for her without being in the "Awlad Farhan" square near the Okba Ibn Nafi Mosque, the main celebration site. Minister of Religious Affairs Ibrahim Al-Shaibi noted that "the Kairouan governorate aims to record over a million visitors during the night of the Prophet's birthday celebration and the following day, which would help create economic, cultural, and tourist activity that could make the city a center of illumination."
The "Mawlid Markets" are also essential elements of the celebration, taking place along the roads and streets surrounding the shrine of "Abi Zam'a Al-Balawi" and other areas in the city, showcasing various traditional products and popular foods. Ali Ben Said, the head of the International Festival of the Prophet's Birthday in Kairouan, stated that "this edition of the festival is witnessing a significant influx of visitors, and all accommodations in Kairouan are fully booked, leading the festival organizers to transfer visitors and participating teams to several hotels in nearby governorates, in addition to a large presence of foreign tourists in the city."
Amin Yazidi hopes that Kairouan will remain a shining beacon throughout the year.
