Zaghouan

Zaghouan, town in northeastern Tunisia. It lies on the fertile northern slope of Mount Zaghwān (Zaghouan) at an elevation of 4,249 feet (1,295 metres). It is built on the ancient Roman site of Zigus. Parts of a Roman aqueduct and canal network built in the 2nd century bce under the emperor Hadrian are still used to bring water more than 80 miles (130 km) from Zaghouan to Carthage. The importance of Zaghouan water is reflected in the location there of a Roman temple of water, as well as in a local proverb: “He who drinks from Zaghouan water will return to Tunisia.” Other points of interest are the mausoleum of the marabout (holy man) Sīdī ʿAlī Azūz, which has green tiles on its domes and in its interior.

Zaghouan is about 50 miles (80 km) south of Tunis. The town was the scene of bitter fighting during World War II when the Germans retreated toward Tunis. The Dorsale Mountains lie to the southwest of Zaghouan. The fertile soil and ample water sources of the area in which the town is situated have made the region an agricultural greenbelt. The chief crops are grapes, olives, and vegetables. Local industries in the region include food processing and textile manufacturing; Zaghouan is also renowned for the production of rose essence. Pop. (2004) 16,037.