Bourguiba mausoleum
 General view of the Bourguiba mausoleum. | |
 | |
| Location | Monastir, Tunisia |
|---|---|
| Type | Mausoleum |
| Beginning date | 1963 |
The Bourguiba mausoleum is a monumental grave in Monastir, Tunisia, containing the remains of former president Habib Bourguiba, the father of Tunisian independence, who died on April 6, 2000.[1]
Description
The mausoleum was built while Bourguiba was still alive, in 1963, following traditional architectural characteristics (modern Arab-Mualim style), located in the western part of the Sidi El Mézeri cemetery, the main burial site in the city, at the end of the main alley which is about 200 meters long and 30 meters wide.
The building, flanked by two minarets 25 meters high, is topped by a golden dome amidst two green domes. The mausoleum entrance gate and the gate that separates it from the rest of the cemetery are two fine examples of Tunisian art.
The mausoleum is not only home to the bodies of the former president, his first wife Mathilde, but also to his parents, his siblibgs, and other members of his family in two other halls. It was expanded in 1978.
Inside the mausoleum, there is a small museum housing some of president Bourguiba's personal belongings: his desk from the presidential palace of Carthage, his pens, passports and identity card, his glasses, and also his photos and his clothes (both Western and traditional : jebba, chéchia, fez).[2]
Gallery
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Central part of the mausoleum topped by a large golden dome. -
Main door of the mausoleum, made out of teak, with inscriptions in Arabic saying "the supreme fighter, builder of modern Tunisia, liberator of women." -
One of the galleries of the mausoleup, the arcs sitting atop white marble columns -
Domes of the mausoleum
References
- ^ Camau, M.; Geisser, V. (2004). Habib Bourguiba: la trace et l'he?itage. Karthala. p. 391. ISBN 9782845865068. Retrieved 2016-08-18.
- ^ Carlier, O.; Nollez-Goldbach, R. (2008). Le corps du leader: construction et représentation dans les pays du Sud. Harmattan. p. 117. ISBN 9782296061576. Retrieved 2016-08-18.