Kairouan is Tunisia's carpet capital, and the carpet souk within the medina is the place to see — and possibly buy — the distinctive rugs produced in this region. Kairouan carpets are of two main types: the knotted Alloucha (using local Merino wool) and the woven kilim-style mergoum, with its geometric patterns in natural dyes. Both are produced in small workshops around the city and have been for centuries.
The souk is genuinely lively and the hard sell is moderate by the standards of North African medinas. Even if you are not buying, the workshops are interesting to watch — traditional hand-knotting is slow, intricate work, and the artisans are usually happy to explain what they are making. Prices are negotiable and will vary widely; a small genuine Kairouan carpet can be found for reasonable prices if you are willing to walk away from the first price quoted.