Kairouan, Tunisia

Capital City

The population of 117,903 belies Kairouan's dwindling importance as a commercial and cultural center. Once a thriving hub of Islamic scholarship and industry, the city now struggles with a "scarce" water supply and a decaying infrastructure. The collapse of a section of the historic city walls in 2023, killing several workers, serves as a sobering reminder of Kairouan's gradual decline. Those drawn to its storied past and remaining architectural gems will have to contend with persistent bureaucratic headaches. This former Berber stronghold is best suited for the intrepid historian or pilgrim, not the casual tourist.