Bourguiba Mosque and Mausoleum is in memory of Habib Boutguiba, the first president of Tunisia after its independence. The Bourguiba Mosque and Mausoleum is a costly monument that was built in 1963, have domes that are made of gold and green. One will find two minarets beside the white cemetery that has white tombstones. It is one of the famous Tourist Attractions in Monastir.
The 18 caret golden dome is for Habib Boutguiba, while the small green domes are dedicated to his parents and wife. Presently, though no gold could be seen. Habib Boutguiba was born in Tunisia in 1903 and had his education in France. He married a French woman which he later divorced. He was at the helm of Tunisia's independence in 1956. He passed away in 2000 in Monastir.
Inside the Bourguiba Mosque in Monastir, the marble sarcophagus of Bourguiba stands. There is a copy of Koran beside it. There is a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the dome. The Mausoleum overlooks a vast esplanade and provides a feeling of grandeur. The entry to Bourguiba Mosque and Mausoleum is open to the public and entry is free of charge.
The birth place of Habib Boutguiba is at the one storey house located on Route de la Corniche. It is an ordinary house with only a plaque on the wall which gives the name in Arabic. It is not open to the public but on seeing inside through a hole, one can see a courtyard which has tiled walls. One will come across many of his statues around the city.
A statue of Habib Boutguiba as a school boy, is present near the Government Office. He is dressed in school uniform with books in hand. This statue is close to the Bourguiba Mosque and Mausoleum in Monastir which is built in the Hafsid style. The Hafsid was the ruling family here from 13th to 16th century. In earlier times the mosques were dark places with no domes overhead. there were no decorations inside as well. The Hafsid architecture had domes built over the prayer hall. With time, these domes became larger and finally had architecture that covered completely the Prayer hall.
To know more about Bourguiba Mosque and Mausoleum, visit travel.mapsofworld.com
| 
