Mousolée Sidi Amor Abada
The Sidi Amor Abbada mausoleum is a Tunisian zaouïa located in Kairouan.
Built around 1872, the monument contains the tomb of Sidi Amor Abbada al-Ayari, a marabout who lived during the first half of the 19th century2. Exercising the profession of master blacksmith, he was an extraordinary character who was the object of respect and veneration on the part of the population - who attributed him supernatural gifts and powers - as well as the Husseinite rulers who fulfilled him. favors, notably Moustapha Bey and Ahmed Ier Bey. Many tales and myths were woven around the marabout who died around 1855, some of which have remained in the collective memory until today.
The building, whose total area exceeds 1,500 m2, stands out on the outside by an impressive set of six domes on ribbed horns in a typical Kairouan style. The interior of the monument, whose very massive walls are two, four or even five meters thick, includes a maze of galleries and rooms surmounted by cupolas. The decorative motifs consist mainly of florets and crescents adorning the abacuses surmounting the capitals of the columns.
The main room of the zaouïa, housing the tomb of the venerable character, has been converted into a museum which exhibits works that belonged to Sidi Amor Abbada or made by him: very heavy wrought iron sabers covered with solid wooden sheaths, giant anchors , huge chests etc. These extravagant and disproportionate pieces, dating from the first half of the 19th century and some of them bearing inscriptions in cursive script, reflect the strong and megalomaniacal character of the marabout.
