The herbalists of Tunis medina: on borrowed thyme – a photo essay

From the cavernous shops in Souq El Blat, herbalists share the rich and fascinating history of their proud and ancient trade – and their fears that it could disappear

‘The Souq El Blat is the heartbeat of the medina,” proclaims Mourad Boughanmi, a medicinal herb seller in this historic quarter of Tunis. Indeed, for centuries, its herbs have sustained the bodies of people living here. Bundles of wild thyme, sage, poppy, garlic and eucalyptus have lined the walls of this shadowy souq for at least 700 years.

When Covid-19 entered Tunisia in early 2020, some herbalists say demand for plant medicine grew , with greater numbers wanting to strengthen their immune systems naturally. But customs are changing, and without any state support this trade has become endangered.

Chowki El Fout in his herb shop in Souq El Blat