Ghurfas standing out
 It is a village, but so close to Medenine
it has more of a hamlet feeling. Metameur, still strongly dominated by
old customs: there are two "families" out here, the Temara, descendants
of the local saint, Sidi Ahmad; and the Harraza, who are descendants of
his followers.
The
difference in status between these two groups will only become evident
to people staying here for longer time.
What everyone will immediately
discover is the ksar that stands out from the plain. This 600 year old
structure, has as much as three courtyards squeezed into it, and some
ghurfas, storage rooms for grains, used all over southern Tunisia.
Inside the ghurfas
As always the ghurfas represent modest interiors without any furniture.
Instead of furniture, the ghurfas have had "tables", "chairs" and "beds" moulded as a part of the walls or floors.
Mosque of Sidi Ahmed Ben Adjel
This is the mosque which house the tomb of
the local saint, Sidi Ahmed Ben Adjel. The shape is interesting, as it
is closer to a phallic shape than the dome that normally dominates in
Tunisia and other Muslim countries.
 It
is widely believed that the phallic shape is a preceding structure to
the dome, and a shape that reflects a pre-Islamic fertility religion.
Today, the few phallic structures of Tunisia, are almost always located
to Jerba. Metameur represents one of the exceptions. Also interesting
is the colour — light green — which is rarely used.
The
saint is still revered, and nomads from the surrounding areas come to
town every Friday to pay their homage, and pray in the presence of his
power.
Practicalities
HOTELS AND ALTERNATIVES
One very basic hotel at the end of the ghurfa square. It is all quite genuine, OK priced, and very friendly.
RESTAURANTS AND ALTERNATIVES
The hotel also doubles as a restaurant.
CHANGE MONEY
Nothing. Do this in Medenine (10 km).
TRANSPORT
There is a fair bus connection with Medenine.
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