Kasbah of Sfax Castle.. Captured!

Little Was Known About Its History

Photo credit: Sarah Murray

The Kasbah of Sfax, also known as the Ribat of Sfax or the Palace of Sfax, stands majestically in the southwestern corner of the ancient city of Sfax. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the traditional architecture of Sfax. Its construction followed the establishment of the city wall and the Medina.

The term "Kasbah," or "Qasbah" in Arabic, denotes a place of authority and originally served as a military headquarters. Historically referred to as "El Hssar," it housed the last monarch, Abu Abdullah Al-Makni, who secured independence for Sfax at the end of the Hafsid state.

In the early 16th century, the Ottomans converted the Kasbah into a military barracks, marking a shift in its purpose.

Originally part of a coastal surveillance and security initiative undertaken by the Aghlabid state's main troops in the early 9th century, the Kasbah primarily features a main entrance, known as the "Beb El Ghader," which served as a secret