Customer Reviews

Ifriqiya: Thirteen Centuries of Art and Architecture in Tunisia (Museum With No Frontiers International Exhibition Cycle : Islamic Art in the Mediterranean : Tunisia)

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Ifriqiya was published by Museum With No Frontiers, a consortium of scholars from Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Their aim is to show the architectural and artistic ties that bind the Mediterranean World. So far, they have published eleven volumes in their Islamic Art in the Mediterranean Series.

"Ifriqiya" is a travel guide to Tunisia. There are eleven itineraries for travelers interested in Islamic architecture. A number of interesting photographs accompany the text. Most English language books on Islamic architecture focus on the iconic structures. What makes this book interesting is that the focus is on vernacular buildings. There are great images of the small building details that those of us who love vernacular architecure will greatly appreciate. I purchased this volume for eight dollars and I thought it was a good value.

I found "Ifrigiya" interesting & useful, particularly by pairing it with a short history of North Africa. Fine photos, and a readable text. Although the book it set up with "itineraries," like a travel guide, it is probably too scholarly to appeal to the casual traveler and is a bit heavy (25 oz.) to take with you on a trip.