Mosque Al-Qasr Bled El Hadhar

The traditional Great Mosque of Bled El Hadhar is one of the oldest mosques in North Africa. Its exact construction date remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been built in the ninth century.

Located on the edge of the Sahara desert, it is surrounded by lush oases, created not by a trick of a thirsty mind but by natural underground springs. These oases make for an environment filled with gardens and palm trees—a stark, green contrast from the rest of the arid landscape.

The palm trees attract an influx of guests during the city of Tozeur’s annual date palm festival, which celebrates the sweet staple of the country’s diet.

Those who get lost in the oases need not worry about missing the call to prayer—the Great Mosque is also equipped with a speaker, whose exact origin story is also not known. However, sources have confirmed that it was installed more recently than the 800s.

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