Dahris Martin, a young American in search of sun, arrived in the holy city of Kairouan in the late 1920s. Befriended by the roguish Kalifa, she is welcomed into his circle of friends and family. Among the Faithful is a unique portrait of traditional Tunisian society. It tells of barefoot pilgrims and bedouin, the deflowering of virgin brides, spirit possession and dances held for djinn. It sings the praises of the unsung: Eltifa the blind musician, Zinibe (who had a heart for all the world) and the entrancing, dancing Aisha. Dahris Martin witnessed domestic life in Tunisia from within, a privilege she shares without pretension, with affection and with a sure lightness of touch.

Martin, Dahris

2024-09-11