Souk El Berka, Tunis
Souk El Berka is a market situated in the Medina of Tunis, known for its specialization in the jewelry trade. It was initially constructed by Yusuf Dey in 1612 as a marketplace for the sale of slaves from West and Central Africa. However, European slaves, being considered rare and more valuable, were only sold in private locations to wealthy buyers. Following the abolition of slavery in Tunisia in 1846, Souk El Berka transformed into a market for jewelers.
The market is located near the Kasbah district, which serves as the government's headquarters, as well as other souks such as Souk El Bey, Souk Ech-Chaouachine, and Souk El Leffa. It has a square shape, with three aisles separated by two rows of columns, and is situated at the intersection of four streets. In the past, a wooden platform in the center of the market was used to present slaves, and it was covered by a central dome and several side vaults, which led to the name 'Berka.'
The market is located near the Kasbah district, which serves as the government's headquarters, as well as other souks such as Souk El Bey, Souk Ech-Chaouachine, and Souk El Leffa. It has a square shape, with three aisles separated by two rows of columns, and is situated at the intersection of four streets. In the past, a wooden platform in the center of the market was used to present slaves, and it was covered by a central dome and several side vaults, which led to the name 'Berka.'
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Souk El Berka on Map
Sight Name: Souk El Berka
Sight Location: Tunis, Tunisia (See walking tours in Tunis)
Sight Type: Shopping
Sight Location: Tunis, Tunisia (See walking tours in Tunis)
Sight Type: Shopping
Walking Tours in Tunis, Tunisia
Create Your Own Walk in Tunis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tunis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Tunis Introduction Walking Tour
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and one of the largest cities in the Arab world. Tunis was a Berber settlement founded on and around the ancient city of Carthage. The settlement of Tunis dates as far back as the 4th century BCE. It became the capital city in 1159.
The city was controlled by numerous empires over the years, which has lent to its interesting art and architecture. With influences... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The city was controlled by numerous empires over the years, which has lent to its interesting art and architecture. With influences... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Carthage Walking Tour
Carthage is a modern, upscale seaside suburb of Tunis and a unique place of archaeological and cultural value, situated at the site of an ancient capital of the Carthaginian (Punic) civilization, which fell to Rome in the 2nd century BC.
The settlement was founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC and, after being destroyed by the Romans in the course of three Punic Wars, emerged... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The settlement was founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC and, after being destroyed by the Romans in the course of three Punic Wars, emerged... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Tunisian Sweets and Pastries
No Tunisian meal is complete without a lavish dessert at the end. And Tunisians do take their sweets seriously, be it fresh seasonal fruits, cakes, fried almond pastries, ice cream, doughnuts or whatever else. Some of these delights have come from Turkey, brought by soldiers of the Ottoman army;...
Tunis Souvenirs: 15 Authentic Tunisian Products for Avid Traveler
A historic crossroads of many civilizations and influences, - Berber, Spanish, French, - Tunisia is a treasure trove of mementos waiting for a knowledgeable traveler to be picked up. The Medina market of Tunis (the capital city) is one of the best places to shop for local handcrafts. To help...