Midoun history

Foundation and First Mentions

The origins of Midoun are rooted in deep antiquity and are closely intertwined with the history of the indigenous Berber population of Djerba Island. Unlike many cities founded as military outposts or colonies, Midoun formed evolutionarily. It grew from a conglomerate of scattered agricultural settlements that eventually united into a major administrative and trade centre. The first significant mentions of the city as a formed structure date back to the Islamic period, when the region began to play an important role in Trans-Saharan trade.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geography and Security: The city is located deep within the island, away from the coast. This strategic position historically protected residents from sudden raids by pirates and hostile fleets, allowing agriculture to develop in relative safety.
• Agriculture: Midoun emerged on the most fertile lands of Djerba. The presence of underground water allowed for the cultivation of extensive palm groves and olive orchards, making the city the "fruit garden" of the region.
• Trade Routes: Despite its distance from the sea, the city became a vital hub for caravans, ensuring the exchange of goods between the island and the mainland of Tunisia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Midoun relied on "three pillars": olive cultivation, pottery, and trade. The city markets were renowned for their scale and served as a meeting place for merchants from various corners of North Africa.

The cultural landscape of the city was defined by the unique system of menzels. These are traditional fortified fortress-estates with white walls and domes, surrounded by gardens. Such architecture reflected the social structure of early Midoun, where every family strove for autonomy and the protection of their territory while maintaining close community ties.

Key Historical Milestones

• Antiquity — Early Middle Ages: Formation of a unique settlement system in the region based on fortified family estates (menzels) and the development of irrigated agriculture.
• 16th Century: Final consolidation of Djerba Island within the sphere of influence of the Ottoman Empire, which contributed to the stabilisation of trade routes.
• 18th — 19th Centuries: Establishment of Midoun as the second-largest centre of the island and the main market for agricultural produce.
• 1881: Establishment of the French protectorate over Tunisia, leading to administrative reforms and the development of the road network.
• 1956: Declaration of Tunisian independence, opening a new chapter in the social and economic development of the city.
• Early 1960s: Launch of a large-scale project to create a tourist zone on the coast in the immediate vicinity of Midoun.
• 1990s: Active construction of hotels and the opening of a golf club, transforming the agrarian town into an important tourism hub.
• 2002: Opening of the "Djerba Explore" cultural and entertainment complex with a crocodile farm, which became a magnet for travellers.
• 2023: Inclusion of the cultural heritage of Djerba Island, including the architectural monuments of the Midoun region, in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Stages of Transformation: From Agrarian Community to Tourism Hub

The development of Midoun is a story of the gradual adaptation of a traditional way of life to the demands of the times. The city has journeyed from a conglomerate of farms to the status of one of Tunisia's tourism capitals.

• Creation of the "Menzel" System and Irrigation
  In the early stages, residents developed the territory by building fortified family estates (menzels) and digging wells.
  Significance: This allowed arid lands to be turned into blooming gardens, cementing the region's status as the main agricultural breadbasket of Djerba Island.
• Establishment of Market Traditions (Friday Market)
  The organisation of regular trade united scattered settlements around a central square.
  Significance: The market became the economic heart of the city, turning Midoun into the main commercial hub of the eastern part of the island, where farmers and artisans gather from all around.
• Cultural Integration and Heritage of Trans-Saharan Trade
  Historically, the city welcomed people from sub-Saharan Africa, which enriched the local culture.
  Significance: The formation of unique traditions, music, and dance (such as the Gougou genre), which are today the hallmark of local festivals.
• Construction of the "Tourist Zone" (Zone Touristique)
  In the second half of the 20th century, just a few kilometres from the historical centre, the construction of large-scale hotel complexes began along the coast.
  Significance: This event radically changed the employment structure of the population, reorienting the economy from pure agriculture to the service and hospitality sector.
• Modernisation of Urban Infrastructure
  With the growth of traveller flow, the city centre was reconstructed: paved promenades, cafes, and souvenir shops oriented towards international guests appeared.
  Significance: Midoun ceased to be a closed agrarian settlement, becoming a comfortable space for international tourism while preserving its oriental charm.
• Development of the Leisure Cluster (Golf and Parks)
  Creation of golf courses (Djerba Golf Club) and theme parks (Djerba Explore).
  Significance: Diversification of the tourism offering allowed for attracting a more affluent audience and extending the tourist season, making it practically year-round.
• International Recognition of the Architectural Code (UNESCO)
  The inclusion of Djerba's monuments in the World Heritage list highlighted the preservation of Midoun's unique architecture.
  Significance: This stimulates urban planning control, protecting historical mosques and menzels from chaotic development and raising the city's prestige on the world stage.

Architectural Appearance: Synthesis of Tradition and Functionalism

The architecture of Midoun differs significantly from classical European styles. You will not find Gothic or Baroque here. The city's appearance is formed by the unique Djerbian style, dictated by the climate, religion, and the need for defence, as well as the influence of the colonial period and modern tourism.

Traditional Architecture (Berber-Islamic Period)

The historical basis of the region's development is not dense city blocks, but scattered fortified estates. This style is called "vernacular" or folk.

• Style: Djerbian Menzel.
• Characteristic Features: Whitewashed walls, domes (for air cooling), thick walls, small loophole windows. Buildings are functional and devoid of external decor.
• Urban Planning: Chaotic, dispersed layout. The city centre formed not around a palace, but around a market square.

Sacred Architecture (Ibadi Era)

Religious structures in the vicinity of Midoun reflect the asceticism of the Ibadi branch of Islam. Mosques here served not only for prayer but also as defensive redoubts.

• Style: Fortification minimalism.
• Landmark Object: Fadhloun Mosque (Jamaa Fadhloun). Located on the outskirts of Midoun, it is a perfect example: squat, with powerful buttresses and a modest minaret that resembles a watchtower more than a religious spire.

Colonial Period and Centre Formation (19th – mid-20th Century)

With the arrival of the French protectorate, the settlement structure began to change. The concept of a "city centre" (Centre Ville) with a more regular layout appeared.

• Style: Colonial functionalism with elements of Neo-Moorish style.
• Characteristic Features: Appearance of shopping arcades, paved squares, and administrative buildings with European facades adapted to the local flair.
• Urban Planning: Formation of central squares (for example, Meninx Square), around which cafes and souvenir shops grew.

Modern Stage (Late 20th – 21st Century)

The rapid development of tourism led to the emergence of a new architectural layer, especially in the coastal zone (Zone Touristique), separated from the historical centre.

• Style: Resort postmodernism and Neo-traditionalism.
• Characteristic Features: Hotels and villas are stylised as ancient menzels (using domes, arches, blue shutters), but on a much larger scale.
• Landmark Objects: Large hotel complexes and the entertainment park Djerba Explore, which represents a modern reconstruction of a traditional village with a museum and commercial zones.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Midoun and Djerba Island

The history of Midoun and the eastern part of Djerba is rich in names that have left a mark on politics, religion, and culture. Since the city historically developed as part of the island's unified ecosystem, many significant figures are associated with the entire region but have a special connection to the lands of Midoun.

• Salah Ben Youssef
  Politician, leader of the national liberation movement (1907–1961)
  The most famous historical figure born directly in the vicinity of Midoun (Maghraoua village). Ben Youssef was the Secretary-General of the Neo-Destour party and a key figure in the struggle for the independence of Tunisia. He went down in history as the main political opponent of the first president, Habib Bourguiba, advocating for Pan-Arabism. His legacy still sparks lively discussions in Tunisian society.
• Sheikh Fadhloun
  Islamic scholar, ascetic, and spiritual leader (Presumably 14th–16th centuries)
  A semi-legendary righteous figure whose name graces one of the most photographed landmarks in Tunisia — the Fadhloun Mosque, located on the road to Midoun. The Sheikh is revered as a patron of the community who preached modesty and faith. The mosque itself, which also served as a defensive fortress, is the embodiment of his ascetic Ibadi teachings.
• Lalla Hadria
  Saintly patroness, mystic
  A revered female Sufi whose name is inextricably linked with the coast of Midoun. The famous lagoon and beach are named in her honour, as is the magnificent museum of Islamic art within the Djerba Explore complex. Lalla Hadria symbolises the spiritual role of women in the traditional society of Djerba and remains an important part of local folklore.
• Salem Ben Yacoub
  Historian, theologian, and writer (1903–1991)
  An outstanding intellectual who dedicated his life to preserving the unique heritage of Djerba Island. Although his activities covered the entire island, his works are the main source of knowledge about the "menzel" system, family genealogies, and religious traditions of the Midoun region. He is often called the "Herodotus of Djerba" for his contribution to historiography.
• René Trabelsi
  Politician, former Minister of Tourism of Tunisia, entrepreneur (born 1962)
  A native of Djerba who became the first minister of the Jewish faith in the Arab world in decades. His activities played a key role in promoting Midoun as an international tourism centre. Trabelsi is a living symbol of the island's multiculturalism, where Muslim and Jewish communities have historically coexisted peacefully.
• Ben Ayed Family
  Dynasty of rulers (Caids) and patrons (18th–19th centuries)
  An influential clan that governed the island during the Ottoman Empire era. Representatives of the family owned vast lands in the Midoun area (Sedghiane) and built many significant buildings, including mosques and palaces. Their activities contributed to the economic development of the region and the formation of its architectural appearance.