In the gate Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

In the gate
Zaouia Sidi Sahab, Kairouan

The spiritual home of all Tunisians, the city itself rises like a dream of ocher and tawny beige, serene in its 13 centuries of Islamic culture, authentic and proud of the wondrous beauty of its mosques, the symphony of its columns and arches, the exquisite delicacy of the stone work.

Kairouan, it was founded by the Arabs in around 670 in the period of Amir Muavia and the original name was derived from Arabic kairuwân, meaning "military/civilian camp" (from Kâr, "war/military," and van/wan, "outpost"), "caravan", or "resting place.
After its establishment in the 7th century, it became an important center for Islamic and Quranic learning, and thus attracted a large number of Muslims from various parts of the world, next only to Mecca and Medina. The holy Mosque of Uqba is situated in the city. In 2003 the city had about 150,000 inhabitants. In 2009 Kairouan was the Islamic Cultural Capital.
The most important mosque in the city is the Great Mosque of Sidi-Uqba. Seven pilgrimages to this mosque is considered the equivalent of one pilgrimage to Mecca. After its establishment, Kairouan became an Islamic and Qur'anic learning center in North Africa. An article by Professor Kwesi Prah describes how during the medieval period, Kairouan was considered the third holiest city in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
The souk (market place) of Kairouan is in the Medina quarter, which is surrounded by walls, from which the entrance gates can be seen in the distance. Products that are sold in the souk include carpets, vases and goods made of leather. As with merchants in most major Tunisian cities, Kairouan merchants rely on tourism for much of their income.
During World War II a major military airfield was located near Kairouan, used first by the German Luftwaffe. It was attacked on numerous occasions and later used by the United States Army Air Force Twelfth Air Force as a transport field.

Zaouia Sidi Sahab

The Zaouia of Sidi Sahab also known as the Barber's Mosque, a complex including a mausoleum and a medersa which was built between 1629 and 1692 over the tomb of one of Mohammed's companions who died in AD 685. According to legend Sidi Sahab, out of reverence for the Prophet, always carried a few hairs from his beard: hence the name of the Barber's Mosque.
The zaouia is notable for its magnificent decoration, much of which dates only from the 19th century. It is entered through a forecourt, on the left of which are the imam's lodgings, guest- rooms and ablution fountains. Opposite the entrance is the minaret. The forecourt also gives access to the medersa, laid out round a small courtyard, the prayer hall beyond it and (by way of a passage adjoining the minaret) another colonnaded courtyard, off which opens the tomb of Sidi Sahab.(Source:Wikipedia& tourismtunisia & virtualtourist)

swiatopelk777, KLB, besnard, ophelcia, bostankorkulugu, ChrisJ, snunney, LeeLoo, Angshu, saxo042, amaryllis, leonorkuhn, jjcordier, dareco, Wanda1, mikolaj_kawa, danos, AiresSantos, ellelloo, BeBeHooker has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

KLB (18279) 2009-07-22 2:35

Hi George

I just thought this morning that you had not published since a long time... I am reassured, you do not leave TE ;o)

You come back with an excellent composition.
You've done a great use of the arch to make an elegant framing where the minaret is perfectly placed.
Obviously the presence of the character is great and adds life to your shot.
As usual, a fine quality and a marvelous light.

Kind regards
Karine

swiatopelk777 (9212) 2009-07-22 2:35

Hi Budapestman!
Amazing gate, wonderful scene, very interesting tower. Nice light and colors.
Greetings from Warszawa!

mauro61 (16252) 2009-07-22 2:38

ciao george,
ritorni con una ottima immagine dalla splendida architettura.
Perfetta la composizione con la donna che passa sotto l'arco.
un caro saluto
maurizio

serp2000 (9663) 2009-07-22 2:39

Superb! My compliments, George!
Excellent capture, optimal moment, fine colours!
All the best wishes,
Serghei

npecanhuk (14600) 2009-07-22 2:43

Hello George! Good Morning!
Wow! Very nice and interesting photograph!
The vertical format and the pov were very well chosen!
The composition is excellent too with the typical arch as a frame and the person that walks in!
Sharpness, exposure, depth of field and color are outstanding characteristics in this image as well!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

pastadog (12821) 2009-07-22 2:57

Hi George - Good frame within frame idea, using these attractive double arch, and so well enhanced by the woman... I believe I have no pics of Kairouan in my files, I wonder why I didn't try a shot there when visiting, so thanks for sharing, you brought back memories from this place... Regards, Daniel

besnard (31060) 2009-07-22 2:58

Bonjour Georg
Un très joli cliché au retour des vacances. C'est bien cadré et j'aime les couleurs chaudes du sud.
Merci pour le partage et bonne journée.
Nicole

ophelcia (5500) 2009-07-22 3:06

Long time no see, but at the same time you had some time for new pics:)
Great exotic photo, looks like typical stereotype of Arabic countries,
Sharpness - brilliant,
G.

bostankorkulugu (33962) 2009-07-22 3:53

a beautiful presentation of the northern african islamic architecture... and the lady is a good addition of course... good to see you again george...

Morac (20823) 2009-07-22 3:58

Bonsoir George,

C'est superbement composé et l'angle de prise de vue est parfait
Amicalement
Marc

ChrisJ (70443) 2009-07-22 4:06

Hi George

Wonderful colour contrasts, between the honey colored arch, & the blue sky. Good timing to include the veiled passerby. Excellent sharpness. Tfs!

snunney (35436) 2009-07-22 4:12

Hello George,
A fine composition of this splendid mosque. The arch makes an excellent natural frame and the lady contributes much to the mood of the shot. I like the soft tones and light. Very good clarity.

LeeLoo (5236) 2009-07-22 4:17

Dear George Rumpler!
Wonderful idea.
Original composition.
Gorgeous colors.
Nice light.
Good sharp.
Very good take.
Interesting note.
TFS!

PixelTerror (86797) 2009-07-22 4:38

Salaam George
Nice framing using the old door, even though you lacked a bit of space, a very warm image in its rendering
Have a nice day JY

Greg1949 (8519) 2009-07-22 4:45

Great work George, not sure when I missed this one but I love it. Very dramatic feeling, one of those novel or movie ina single frame, great work.

Greg

aadilj (17950) 2009-07-22 4:53

How lovely this is George. So fascinating and so dreamy. I love the tones, textures and ambience

dta (6049) 2009-07-22 5:08

Hello George ,
What a good capture ! You 've waited the perfect moment . Framing and night management are superb .
Bravo

Jeppo (12072) 2009-07-22 5:26

ciao George,

I like this diagonal POV and the use of the gate as frame for the minaret.
the presence of that walking lady adds some life to the composition

well done
silvio

saxo042 (16234) 2009-07-22 11:50

Hi George,
You have here at least two pictures, one inside the other. The outer arch is a very fine frame to the inner view of a beautiful tower and a woman, deep in the shadow of the arch. A very good picture!
Kind regards
Gunnar

TGULUMSER (12514) 2009-07-22 13:09

Hello George,
Nice to see your photos again. A very interesting place and magnificent shot.
Best regards,
Tulay

akm (840) 2009-07-22 13:11

Hello George,
A very fine shot -- exquisite composition, sharpness and delicate colors, given life by the woman in the doorway and the interior figurs. Thank you.
Regards,
Mary

amaryllis (17764) 2009-07-22 13:47

Bonjour Georg
de retour à ce que je vois avec donc cette fois : la Tunisie et de belles photos à venir comme celle-ci avec une luminosité parfaite , cette arche de porte, la présence de cette silhouette et cet édifice en arrière plan bien cadré avec la porte
excellente photo
amitiés
juliette

pauloog (6873) 2009-07-22 15:17

Hello George,
A well composed view from a well composed point of view, allowing you to catch both details and a more global architectural view. Light well managed in the harsh sunlight.
Regards,
Paul

leonorkuhn (13981) 2009-07-22 16:43

Hi George,

Very beautiful composition, with the tower framed by the gate. The silhouette creates a mysterious mood. Excellent colors, light and sharpness.

Greetings
Leonor

jjcordier (25200) 2009-07-22 21:59

George
Cette mosquée de Kairouan est magnifique et ta composition bien pensée avec le personnage bien placé.
Amicalement
JJ

dareco (17104) 2009-07-22 22:00

This is one of those "OH WOW!" kind of pictures!! Nice sharp detail and awesome lighting and colors. Perfect pov. TFS

Wanda1 (11015) 2009-07-22 22:39

Hi George,
I see that you have been in Tunisia, I hope you had a good trip.
Very nice here with the golden yellow walls. Nice how you got the lady walking through the archway which also frames the tower so well.
Regards
Wanda

Graal (58688) 2009-07-22 23:23

Jó napot George,
new journey You had, I see. Nice gate and good photojob. An interesting place and informations. Well done photo.
Gr., Aleksander

mikolaj_kawa (31161) 2009-07-23 0:32

Hello George! Marvelous scene and composition. Ideal POV and capture. Perfect exposure. Original work. Well done!

John_F_Kennedy (31994) 2009-07-23 0:52

Wonderful shot. Nice view through the arch to the tower of mosque. Good colours, sharpness. Light and colours are excellent.
Best wishes,
Achim

danos (33192) 2009-07-23 1:00

Hello George,
nice the view from this gate with the passing by woman to adds life in the scene.I like the perspective as the POV and that we can see the corner tower through the gate on the background.Well done.

Have a nice day,Danos

AiresSantos (42826) 2009-07-23 23:31

Hi George
Excellent composition with the woman passing in the gate
Fine colours, well framed and done
TFS and have a nice day
Aires

pablominto (41314) 2009-07-24 4:56

Hello George,

Elegant framing of the lady and the inner yard!
Seems like fine light and the rendered colours are very attractive, pin sharp details in the architecture...
A balanced composition with a stunning feeling of depth!

Greetings,
Pablo -

ellelloo (4929) 2009-07-26 7:08

Hello George,
Already the thumbnail caught my eye. This is a beautiful, well composed photo with also a lovely atmosphere. Excellent control of light and beautiful colours add to the overall attractiveness. An excellent note as well. TFS!
Greetings from now sunny south Finland,
Lasse

Angshu (34089) 2009-07-28 2:12

Dear George
Superb framing through the gate! You've captured the spire of the mosque well & the lady in black is the icing on the cake. Light is quite strong, because judging by the length of the shadow the picture was taken in mid-day, but the details are very well seen!
Regards
Angshu

BeBeHooker (6020) 2009-07-28 3:48

Hi George!
Very original composition, original scenery. Nice lightness, good contrast, very good sharpness. Beautiful framing.
Cheers!

jlbrthnn (38867) 2009-08-01 11:07

Hello Georges,
I like much the composition of this photograph. The minaret emphasized well in the door and the traditional woman. The realization is perfect. Cheer.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël