Hajeb El Ayoun () is a town and commune in the Kairouan Governorate, Tunisia. As of 2004 it had a population of 9,648. Recensement de 2004 (Institut national de la statistique) It is also the capital of a district of 35,403 inhabitants. Recensement de 2004 (Institut national de la statistique) Décret du 6 mai 2013 modifiant le décret du 23 septembre 2011 portant nomination de délégations spéciales dans certaines communes du territoire de la République tunisienne (Hajeb El Ayoun), Journal officiel de la République tunisienne, n°39, 14 mai 2013, p. 1462
The Mayor is Hassen Zaïdi, and the post code is 3160.
Geography It is located at 35° 23′N, 9° 32′E and across fields from the west shores of Sidi Saad lake having the largest dam in Tunisia, which enables agricultural irrigation in the surrounding fields. The economy includes olive and apricot production. The town is 49m above sea level.
History Ruins near the town have tentatively been identified with the remains of a Roman era town of Masclianae. The town is also the seat in name at least of an ancient Christian titular BishopricAnnuario Pontificio 2013 (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2013 ) In the 1830s the site was excavated by Lieutenant Harinezo, Souvenirs de l'ancienne eglise d'Afrique p8. who discovered the remains of a Christian era, basilica, with various inscriptions in situ. The ruins have been suggested as the remains of the Roman civitas of Germaniciana.
The United States Army engaged Rommels Afrika Korps here on 19 February 1943.David T. Zabecki, World War II in Europe: An Encyclopedia (Routledge, 2015) p 1333.
Notable people
Ali Chourabi, magistrate and independent presidential candidate at the 2014 elections. Béchir M'hedhbi, a politician during the independence period, director of the Tunisian national radio and a personality in charge of various government position, ministries and ambassador. Moncef (el) Ouahibi poet, writer and academic
Population +2014 Census (Municipal)HomesFamiliesMalesFemalesTotal268923005209541210621
See also List of cities in Tunisia El Ayoun Ayoun el Atrous, Mauritania
References