Written by Athina Pfeiffer and Mathias Ghyoot (2024)

INtroduction

Beit el Bennani is a private library holding more than 25,000 books, photographs, private archives, etc. from or about Tunisia (mostly in Arabic and French) located in Tunis. Its owner, Mohamed Bennani, is a cheerful and tasteful collector and book-lover who was trained as a journalist and a bookbinder, and speaks both Arabic and French. Mohamed and his collection are great resources for anyone doing research in or about Tunisia. The library is open most of the days of the week, morning and afternoon, depending on Mohamed’s personal schedule.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

Beit el Bennani is located at Bab Mnara at the edge of the Medina. It is a 2 min. walk from the Kasbah. Grab a taxi or a Bolt to go there.

GETTING IN

Prospective visitors to Beit el Bennani should contact Mohamed, preferably on Facebook or via a common friend, to arrange a meeting before coming. Once the meeting is set up, go to the house, ring the door bell, and wait till Mohamed welcomes you in. You’ll be shown around, seated in one of the library rooms, likely offered tea or coffee, and will have to explain your research interests (preferably in Arabic or French). 

Finding your material

There is no catalog to the collection of Beit el Bennani. Or, rather, Mohamed’s memory is the catalog. It is therefore important to explain what type of material you are looking for and ask the right questions about the collection.

Ordering your material

Mohamed will be the one fetching the material. You are free to browse the stacks, but ask first. If Mohamed forgets where a book is, keep asking for it and he will eventually remember.

Ordering scans

There is no scanner on-site. You can take photographs of your material upon agreement with Mohamed. This can involve a fee depending on the material.

Food and well-being

Beit el Bennani is close to the Medina, and there are many options if you want to grab lunch or coffee after your visit. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Wednesday, you’ll likely be invited for couscous — a weekly event stipulated in the waqf of Beit el Bennani. Everyone is free to use Mohamed’s bathroom.

Additional Remarks

Beit el Bennani is more than a library. During your visits you’ll likely stumble upon other foreign and local researchers, journalists, intellectuals, students, and artists. Mohamed is very generous with his time and always happy to help or put one in contact with like-minded researchers.

Here is a podcast to learn more about Beit el Bennani.