However modest the Bi'r Barouta is — entrance through a small carpet shop and an interior no more spectacular than a middle-class family's courtyard — it is the historical focal point of Kairouan. It is this well that has elevated Kairouan into its prominent position in the heart of devout Muslims in this part of northern Africa. There are two legends: The first tells that the Muslim conqueror Oqba bin Nafi put his stick into the ground right here, and out came water. The other story, is the most popular, says that Oqba found a golden cup gold he had lost in the Zamzam well in Mecca. This was considered a proof that there was a underground river between Mecca and Kairouan, making the water of Bi'r Barouta holy. Even today, the local religious traditions says that a Muslim drinking water from Bi'r Baruta a number of times is exempted from performing the pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey both long and expensive. A blindfolded camel is pulling the wheel, and the water that flushes out of the mugs you see on the picture is free to drink for anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim.
