The Doors of Tunisia – Photo Essay

by Bea Cińska
doors of Tunisia

We came for the ruins of Carthage but we stayed for the doors of Tunisia. 

We have a million reasons why we travel. And sometimes we travel to see beautiful architecture. For a long time, we have wanted to see the ancient Punic and Roman ruins of Carthage. And recently, our dream came true as our traveling family finally visited Tunisia.

But while we were pining for ruins of ancient civilizations, we were in no way prepared for the breathtaking beauty of the architecture of this small North African country. The fact is, we fell under the spell of the beautiful doors of Tunisia. So much so, that on the last day of our trip, the only things I photographed were doorways.

doors of Tunisia

The Doors of Tunisia

What is so special about the doors of Tunisia?

First of all, they are noticeable right away. They quickly drew us in because of their vivid colours. Blue and yellow dominate as the colours of choice on the doors in the capital region of Tunisia. But we saw a few other colours as well. Often, the walls of buildings are white and the splash of colour on the doors immediately attracts the eye.

doors of Tunisia

One of the first things we noticed about Tunisian doors was their shape. Most (but not all) of these doors are arched on top. On rare occasion, we would find a door with the arch painted in black and white blocs reminiscent of nemes – the striped headdress of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and a symbol of power, just like in the photo below.

doors of Tunisia

Next, we noticed their size. Often, the bigger doorways had two large doors, but within one of those two there was a smaller door. This, of course, is done for practical reasons. Imagine, having to unlatch the giant doors each time you wanted to come and go. The smaller “door-within-a-door” is obviously used more frequently. However, we found plenty of regular sized doors and they were just as colourful and intriguing as their larger counterparts.

doors of Tunisia

Islamic decor

Another aspect of the doors of Tunisia that we noticed was their decor. Most of the doors we found were decorated with either patterns, florals or geometric shapes. We never happened upon graphic representations of human figures, as is customary with most Islamic art. Why is that?

According to many Islamic scholars, representing human figures in art is a form of idolatry or “worship of idols” and therefore forbidden by the Quran. For this reason, shapes and patterns are what is most often found in decorations and art in the Islamic world. But don’t think for a minute that this restriction makes the art somehow lesser. In fact, the opposite is true. The shapes are intricate, whimsical and rich in symbolism.

doors of Tunisia

Ancient symbols

Because origins of Tunisia reach further back in history than the beginning of Islam, you may find some human elements in Tunisian art and decorations. One such example is the symbol of hamsa (also written as khamsa). This ideogram, sometimes found on the doors of Tunisia, is profuse throughout North African cultures.

The hamsa is represented by a human hand. In fact, it shows the palm of the right hand with the thumb and the small finger protruding to the sides. The palm itself has a human eye in the middle of it. This symbol is an amulet meant to ward off the effects of the evil eye. This type of amulet is prevalent in the Berber culture and the Maghreb region and especially so in Tunisia. The hamsa is believed to have originated in the city of Carthage, originally a Phoenician settlement founded in the 9th century BC.

You can see an example of the hamsa on the two blue doors below.

doors of Tunisia

And I would be remiss if I did not mention another symbol unrelated to the Islamic tradition and frequently found in Tunisia. I am talking about the sign of the goddess Tanit. This symbol, much like the hamsa, is linked to the ancient city of Carthage and the Punic Civilization.

The symbol of Tanit is a triangle with the base on the bottom, two branches on the top going out to the sides and a disc on top. It is very similar to the ancient Egyptian anse or ankh cross. One interpretation of this sign is that it represents a human figure with arms raised in prayer. It is also believed to be a symbol of life. The keyhole in the photo below possibly shows a variation of this representation.

doors of Tunisia

Doors of Tunisia – Photo Essay

We also noticed how well the doors were made, especially some of the larger ones. It was obvious to us that the artisans who made them had put a lot of skill and love into them. The doors of Tunisia are often made of wood which is then reinforced with metal. The shapes and patterns we saw on the doors of Tunisia were usually formed using metal studs. Thanks to this technique, the pattern lasts for a long time. To keep the door beautiful the owner of such a door might just need to refresh it with a coat of paint once in a while. 

However, some of the doors we came upon were showing signs of distress and even disrepair. But despite that and perhaps because of it, they seemed full of character and we could see glimpses of their previous glory. I was very much drawn to these less than perfect doors of Tunisia, wondering what stories they would tell us if they could talk

Doors of Tunisia in the capital region

The capital region of this North African country is teeming with these architectural marvels. Each city or town seems to have its own aesthetic. The capital city of Tunis, for example, has doors in many different colours. In fact, the photos of doors other than blue and yellow in this article are mostly from Tunis. And here we found all sorts of doors: big, small, well maintained, and ones that had seen better days. So if you only have one day in the capital, just go and lose yourself in the streets of old Tunis and you’ll be able to see a great variety of doors.

doors of Tunisia

If you want to see mostly blue doors, and occasionally vivid yellow, the artists’ town of Sidi Bou Said is a place to visit. In fact, that is where we stayed during our visit to Tunisia. The mostly white and blue aesthetic reminded us of the Greek island of Santorini which we visited a few years ago.

doors of Tunisia

And in Carthage, we found a lot of white, with an occasional blue. But no matter where we were, we always sought out the medina or the historical centre of the city or town. That is where old architecture is plentiful.

We truly fell under the spell of these beautiful doors. In the photo below you can see that we were so happy to be in Tunisia, that sometimes we broke into a happy dance. Ha ha!

Tunisia

Final Word on Tunisian Doors

In short, the doors of Tunisia are a sight to behold. When we were planning our trip, we were focused on the ancient ruins in the Carthage area, something that had been on our bucket list for a very long time. Not until we arrived in Sidi Bou Said, did we realize how fabulous and decorative the doors of Tunisia truly were. Although, as you can see in the photo below, we did get a hint of things to come at the Marseille airport in France before boarding our flight to Tunis.

doors of Tunisia

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed our photo essay on Tunisian doors. What do you think of them? I know I would love one like it as my front door! Have you been to Tunisia before? Would you visit just to see these gorgeous beauties first hand? Let us know in comments below.

Shukran!

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doors of Tunisia
doors of Tunisia

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55 comments

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Terri July 30, 2022 - 9:16 pm

I am obsessed with taking photos of doors when I travel as well as in Washington DC (where I live). This article delights me beyond measure. Thank you for your whimsy!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska September 2, 2022 - 3:19 pm

Thanks, Terri! We are kindred spirits, it seems, when it comes to a beautiful door obsession.

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Lina July 30, 2022 - 6:11 pm

All these different doors look seriously stunning! I love seeing variously shaped and colored doors on my travels and Tunisia seems to have really beautiful ones 🙂

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Lasma July 24, 2022 - 8:39 am

Tunisia has been on my bucket list for a while, after I met a lovely family from Tunis who told me about this beautiful country, reading about this article I feel so inspired to go! these doors are perfect to take some beautiful photos! I love also the old town!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska July 24, 2022 - 6:22 pm

We enjoyed Tunisia a lot and really want to go back!

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ANUKRATI DOSI May 8, 2022 - 6:17 am

Wow, these doors are stunning! So colorful and stunning. You are right. It does look like someone has put a lot of time and effort into the craft work.

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Terri May 7, 2022 - 7:41 pm

I am blown away! There is nothing I enjoy more than taking photos of doors when I travel. I even do it in Washington DC where I live. But you provided so much history and background on the symbols. Excellent post!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska May 8, 2022 - 7:38 am

Thank you! Beautiful doors are my weakness.

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Elena Pappalardo May 7, 2022 - 3:25 pm

I’m obsessed with finding interesting doors when I travel, so your guide is right up my alley! I also loved the historical context you provided here. Hope to see some myself one day!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska May 8, 2022 - 7:39 am

Thank you! I hope you get to visit Tunisia.

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Linda Jane May 7, 2022 - 9:11 am

Tunisia looks like a fascinating place to visit! I love your collection of colourful doors! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful pics!

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Mayi May 7, 2022 - 9:06 am

I love this post and thank you for sharing these fantastic photos. I am well impressed by the craftsmanship, colour and intricate design. I will love to explore Tunisia one day and see them for myself.

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Kelli May 7, 2022 - 7:57 am

These doors alone make me want to visit Tunisia.

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Angela L. Dowdy March 3, 2022 - 2:44 pm

Wow, love your photo essay on Tunisian doors! Great photography, great doors, great combo!!

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Denise February 9, 2022 - 12:06 am

Oh I love your Tunisian door photos! I’ve always wanted to visit and now I want to go even more!

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Holly February 7, 2022 - 9:05 am

They’re so ornate! Antigua in Guatemala also has some spectacular doors and I saw the door within a door there too!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska February 11, 2022 - 9:06 am

We will need to add Guatemala to our bucket list then!

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Michelle February 6, 2022 - 6:26 pm

The doors are so unique and something to see. I agree, the artisans who made them had put a lot of skill and love into them.

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Ildi February 6, 2022 - 3:50 pm

Beautiful doors. The collage should be printed on wall art/mouse pads, etc

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska February 7, 2022 - 7:22 am

That’s a great idea!

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Marianne February 6, 2022 - 12:20 pm

I am obsessed with taking photos of doors! LOL. Your post caught my eye right away. Gorgeous photos, and I love the anecdotes and history.

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Vanessa Shields February 6, 2022 - 8:13 am

All of these doors are incredibly beautiful! Each one is so striking, colorful and eye-catching. The details in the symbols are fascinating and makes me wonder why doors aren’t this stunning everywhere! I’d love the chance to photograph these doors one day!

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Shafinah February 6, 2022 - 6:51 am

These doors look SOOO beautiful, i’m so glad you made a piece out of this!

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Rhonda February 6, 2022 - 2:08 am

I love the doors you found. I looked for these types of artistic and remarkable doors in Morocco. The Moorish architecture and style is superb.

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Laura February 6, 2022 - 12:02 am

Gorgeous. Door hunt in Tunisia (on the list). I too have a photo collection of doors. Love the studs and the kelly green

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Susanna February 5, 2022 - 9:23 pm

Wow, these doors are stunning! I totally agree, it looks like someone put a lot of time and effort into the craft work. I would love to get lost in the streets and enjoy all those colors and gorgeous patterns. Thanks for sharing – I definitely have a thing for doors!

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Emma February 5, 2022 - 9:03 pm

I can see why this is such a fun activity – and not one you would normally think about when traveling – but they’re all so unique, and pretty and very colorful. Love it!

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Hannah February 5, 2022 - 7:59 pm

Tunisia has some of the most beautiful doors I’ve ever seen! I love how colourful they are! I’d love to visit and see them in person! I’m always taking photos of beautiful doors on my travels – there are so many stunning ones out there is you take the time to look at them! Thanks for the great guide!

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anatureescape January 29, 2022 - 3:37 pm

This is such a cool idea! My mom recently bought me a puzzle with doors on it. Your photos are gorgeous!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska January 29, 2022 - 6:26 pm

Thank you! Sounds like a puzzle I would enjoy!

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Krista December 19, 2021 - 12:16 am

I love the Arab influence of these doors. They remind me of the doorways you can find in southern Spain as well. Your photos are so pretty!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska December 19, 2021 - 6:43 am

Yes, there is something special about the Arab architecture, isn’t there?

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Karlatypes December 18, 2021 - 10:39 am

The doors are beautiful, and this post was so educational! Hope to go there soon 🙂

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska December 19, 2021 - 6:43 am

I hope you do! Tunisia is breathtaking.

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sue December 18, 2021 - 10:23 am

I love this & these doors are stunning! It’s really magical when you find a specific cultural element that you may not have noticed before but when you do, you are mesmerised by them. I love doors anyway, but these are well worth getting excited for!

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska December 19, 2021 - 6:45 am

Yes, I love how rich the detail is on these doors and how much meaning and history there is behind the decorative elements.

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ANUKRATI DOSI December 18, 2021 - 10:04 am

These are such stunning doors. I love the way you have written about them. It is quite unlikely to come across a whole article about them.

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Bea Cińska
Bea Cińska December 19, 2021 - 6:46 am

Thank you! I am quite a nerd when it comes to things like these.

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Alma December 18, 2021 - 9:05 am

These are so interesting! I definitely have a door fetish and would love looking at the doors in Tunisia.

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Jade March 10, 2019 - 3:46 pm

This is a beautiful post – the doors in each and every city are so unique and so special, it’s lovely to see all the doors of Tunisia in one spot. Thanks for the beauty this morning!

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BPK
BPK March 14, 2019 - 4:18 pm

Thank you for the kind words, Jade! Yes, I am a little bit door-obsessed. And Tunisia has plenty of beautiful doors for people like me.

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Chris March 9, 2019 - 5:25 pm

Such gorgeous doors! I’m a dooraholic actually. I took all my Prague photos, and framed them with a huge matte with space for cut outs for 9 doors. Everyone loves it!

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BPK
BPK March 9, 2019 - 5:47 pm

What a great idea! I think I am going to steal it if you don’t mind.

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Kasi McKenzie-Stubbs March 9, 2019 - 12:42 pm

This is literally my favourite ever!! So beautiful

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BPK
BPK March 9, 2019 - 5:47 pm

Awww, thank you kindly!

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Aga March 9, 2019 - 12:22 pm

I love finding beautiful doors all over the world, and these are stunning!!

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BPK
BPK March 9, 2019 - 5:48 pm

Thank you, Aga! I am a big sucker for a beautiful door anywhere as well.

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Katja March 9, 2019 - 9:19 am

wow these look so wonderful! I have been to Tunisia many years ago – love your pictures, they bring back nice memories 🙂

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BPK
BPK March 9, 2019 - 5:49 pm

Thank you, Katja! We totally fell in love with the place and will definitely come back one day.

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upasana kakati March 9, 2019 - 8:19 am

Hey! Never thought someone would write about doors so beautifully. Be it the architecture or description about the Islamic architecture or the patterns, its wonderfully penned. I hope to experience it soon someday. Cheers

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BPK
BPK March 9, 2019 - 5:49 pm

Thank you for your kind words! That means a lot.

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Shelley March 4, 2019 - 7:54 pm

Wow – such colours, design and history! We can see why you were taken with them, they are just so photogenic. We will be snapping away like crazy if we get there too! Thanks for sharing. x

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BPK
BPK March 9, 2019 - 5:50 pm

Thank you, Shelley! Those doors are addictive!

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Oli March 4, 2019 - 1:59 pm

Love the doors. Feel so inspired to go to Tunisia after reading this.

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BPK
BPK March 4, 2019 - 2:08 pm

Thank you! You would just love it there. The doors are pure eye candy.

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