Sfax/Tunesien: Dualistische Strukturen in der orientalisch-islamischen Stadt

Abstract

The paper discusses two aspects of islamic urbanism: first, the question of the dualistic character of the islamic city with the juxtaposition of a traditional medina and a modern, westernized centre; second, the problem of city-hinterland relationships and their origins. Taking the city of Sfax in Tunisia as an example, the paper shows that a formal dualism is out of question. However, in contrast to prevailing opinion the case of Sfax reveals that the modern quarters are neither the economically predominant centres nor is the medina falling behind. On the contrary, the walled traditional city has in recent years experienced a strong increase in manufacturing activities and at the same time - in habitation and retailing and thus preserved its traditional function and importance. City-hinterland relationships, often explained as a parasitic and colonially influenced attitude of urban economy towards its rural hinterland, can in Sfax be traced back into pre-protectorate times. Whilst there is no doubt about the fact that this relationship has been developed in the period of the French protectorate, it is equally obvious that the dependency of the urban economy on its rural hinterland has never been stronger than today.