Collapse of Kairouan's Ancient Walls Claims Three Lives

Three stonemasons have tragically lost their lives in Tunisia after a portion of the ancient walls surrounding the Old City of Kairouan collapsed on Saturday. According to officials, a 30-meter segment of the wall near the Gate of the Floggers crumbled to the ground, leading to the fatalities. In addition, two other individuals sustained fractures in the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, suggesting a potential connection to recent heavy rainfall. Moez Tria, a spokesperson for the Civil Protection Department, reported that an area around the vulnerable section of the wall has been cordoned off to prevent any accidents from further collapse. The city of Kairouan has a significant historical significance; it was established in 670 AD and served as the capital of the Muslim world in North Africa for four centuries. Though the political capital shifted to Tunis in the 12th century, Kairouan remains a revered city and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Notably, it houses the Mosque of the Three Doors, the oldest known mosque featuring a sculpted facade. UNESCO has hailed this mosque as an architectural masterpiece, influencing the design of several other mosques in the Maghreb region.