Tunisia: Ksar Medenine

And so we got to southern Tunisia – land in the outskirts of Sahara and b famous for ksars – medieval fortified granaries that look like alien civilization fortresses. The first one we visited was Ksar Medenine. Dating back to the 1600sk, it’s a well-preserved example of Berber architecture, featuring ghorfas – vaulted rooms used for storing grain and as fortifications against attacks. The ksar was a central hub for nomadic Berber tribes and a trading center in pre-colonial times, attracting merchants from North Africa and beyond. Ksar Medenine is famous as a filming location for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 1999, representing the Mos Espa slave quarters, including scenes of Anakin Skywalker’s home.