Otherwise it is called the Great Mosque. It is the most important mosque in the Muslim Maghreb and the whole of North Africa. It was built in the 7th century AD. The height of the unusual square minaret is 32 meters, and the total area is 9,000 square meters. It reminded me more of a medieval fortress - massive walls, gates and...a huge courtyard. The mosque is operational, protected by UNESCO. We were in Kairouan for half a day, bought a cool carpet (small 1.5 x 1.5 m) as a gift to a relative.