About — Dehliz El Zliz
Dehliz El Zliz is a small museum, at the basement of Dar Ben Gacem -Kahia-. Dehliz El Zliz is Leila Ben Gacem's way of honoring her parents, Alia and Hmida Ben Gacem for their passionate pursuit of Tunisian ceramics, dedicating fifty years of their lives to traveling the world in search of Tunisian ceramic pieces from all periods. Alia and Hmida collected ceramics not as collectionairs, but as people who wanted to honor the sweat, love, creativity and labor of thousands of Tunisian ceramists who are not with us today. The collection on display comprises more than 200 unique ceramic tile pieces, tracing the history and expertise of Qallaline workshops, since the 15th century until their closure in the early 20th century.
Tunisian ceramics
Tunisian ceramics, rich in ancestral heritage, have evolved under the influence of the civilizations that have marked the country: Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Andalusians, Spanish, Italians and Ottomans. From the Aghlabite era (800-909), Islamization introduced new decorative influences inspired by the Orient.
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Quallaline
Despite the decline of Qallaline ceramics, it remain a strong symbol of Tunisian heritage, and a witness of the dialogue between the Muslim East and the Christian West. Today, between tradition and innovation, it continues to inspire contemporary artisans and creators.
Dehliz El Zliz
Designed by architect Issam Ben Ayed
Curated by Mohamed Messaoudi — Atelier Driba, AD93
Website by Rihem Daoudi & Leila Ben Gacem
Our Partners
Mdinti
Logistical partners
Dehliz El Zliz is a member of MDINTI, Medina of Tunis destination management organization. To plan group visits or activities in the Medina, send email to : contact@mdinti.org
Dar Ben Gacem
Hospitality partners
Dehliz El Zliz is located at Dar Ben Gacem -Kahia- basement, which in the old days was used for food storage. At Dar Ben Gacem -Kahia- over 400 ceramic artifacts are also on display. Send email to contact@darbengacem.com
NADWA
Academic partners
Dehliz El Zliz was launched with careful review and validation of historical facts, thanks to Nadwa’s network of specialized historians and heritage researchers. Send email to contact@nadwaseminar.org