Kairouan: The renowned carpet industry of Kairouan, Tunisia, is on the brink of extinction due to a confluence of challenges, including rising raw material costs, declining demand, weak marketing strategies, and competition from imported products, particularly from China.

According to Saudi Press Agency, once a vital source of income for thousands of Tunisian families, Kairouan carpets are famous for their long wool, vibrant colors, and authentic Arabic designs and engravings. Traditionally, skilled women meticulously hand-wove these intricate pieces.

These carpets are crafted from natural wool or pure silk, distinguished by a border of parallel stripes that frame the carpet’s surface. They feature floral or geometric motifs, often with a central rectangular area typically shaped like a mihrab, reflecting Islamic artistic influences.

While red is a dominant color, some Kairouan carpets, locally known as “alousha,” are woven from undyed wool in natural shades ranging from white to brown. The term “alousha” derives from “al-aloush,” meaning sheep in the Tunisian dialect.