Part 4: Heart of Kairouan (The Great Mosque of Okba)

_{Edited by LiveCollage}

Hello Steemians,

After exploring Kairouan’s old streets, doors, and hidden corners in my last post, it was time to visit the true heart of the city: The Great Mosque of Okba.
This mosque is not only the oldest in North Africa, but also one of the most important in the Islamic world. Walking into its courtyard feels like stepping into a sacred space where faith and history meet.

The Courtyard

The mosque’s vast courtyard is surrounded by beautiful arcades. Its ground is covered with smooth stone that reflects the light, creating a serene and almost timeless atmosphere.
Standing there, I could feel the immensity of history countless generations have crossed this same space for more than 13 centuries.

_{The vast courtyard of the Great Mosque}

The Columns and Arches

Inside, rows of marble columns and high arches guide the eye forward, giving a sense of both order and grandeur. Many of these columns were reused from ancient Roman and Byzantine buildings, each one carrying its own silent history before being part of the mosque.

Walking through them, I felt a quiet rhythm, the repetition of the arches seemed like a reminder of balance and harmony.

_{Rows of columns inside the prayer hall.}

The Prayer Hall

The mosque’s prayer hall is immense yet calming. The high ceilings and the soft echo of footsteps create a sense of tranquility. Even when empty, the space seems filled with centuries of devotion and spiritual energy.

_{Calm and sacred inside the prayer hall.}

Details & Architecture

Every corner of the mosque carries history from ornate mihrabs to inscriptions in Kufic script. The interplay of light and shadow across the arches, columns, and courtyards gives a sense of timeless beauty.

_{Intricate details and decorations of the mosque.}

Location	The Great Mosque of Okba
Google maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/o18Rjv5MrPNUEUnp8
Atlas pin code	[//]:# (!steematlas 35.68205245 lat 10.10414387 long The Great Mosque of Okba d3scr)