Ribat of Monastir

This article analyzes the importance of Ribat of Monastir in today's society. Ribat of Monastir has been the subject of interest and debate for decades, and its influence extends to all areas of life. Since its inception, Ribat of Monastir has played a fundamental role in the way people relate to each other, in the development of culture and in the evolution of technology. Throughout history, Ribat of Monastir has been the subject of study in various disciplines, from psychology to economics, and its relevance is evident in the way it impacts our lives on a daily basis. In this article, the many facets of Ribat of Monastir will be explored and its influence on the contemporary world will be analyzed.

Ribat of Monastir
رباط المنستير
Monastir, Tunisia
Site information
TypeAbbasid Ribat
ConditionIntact
Map
Site history
Built796[1]
Built byHarthama ibn A'yan

The Ribat of Monastir (Arabic: رباط المنستير) is a ribat, an Islamic defensive structure, located in Monastir, Tunisia. It is the oldest ribat built by the Arab conquerors during the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb.[2] It is also the most prominent monument of the city of Monastir.

History and architecture

Southwestern gate

Founded in 796 by the Abbasid leader and the governor of Ifriqiya, Harthama ibn A'yan, several improvements and changes were introduced to the building throughout the medieval times, including the expansion carried out by Abu al-Qasim ibn Tammam in 966.[1] Initially it was quadrilateral shaped and then renovated into a composition of four buildings with two inner courtyards.[2] There's also a spiral stair of about a hundred steps leading to the watchtower where visual messages were exchanged at night with the towers of neighboring ribats.[2] Many watchtowers were added between 11th and 13th, 17th and 19th centuries in order to accommodate the artillery.[1] The towers are also climbable, allowing visitors to enjoy a view of the city and the beach.[2]

In addition to the small rooms dedicated to the worshiping Mujahideen who were performing prayer and meditation during their military duty, the ribat has two mosques, the largest of which hosts a unique collection of worshiping materials and traditional medieval industrial materials today.

References

  1. ^ a b c Monastir Ribat Museum with No Frontiers. Retrieved 8-1-2017.
  2. ^ a b c d رباط المنستير Ministry of Culture. Retrieved 8-1-2017.

35°46′34″N 10°49′58″E / 35.7761°N 10.8329°E / 35.7761; 10.8329