Welcome to our BIG FAT TUNISIAN-IRISH-INDIAN WEDDING!

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Meraaj & Sonya

May 20–24, 2026 • Hammamet, Tunisia

Meraaj & Sonya

May 20–24, 2026 • Hammamet, Tunisia
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Meraaj & Sonya Home Page Banner
May 20–24, 2026
Hammamet
Tunisia

Excursion 1: A Day in Tunis

May 18, 2026
9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Itinerary: North of Hammamet The Souk In The Old Medina: Walk through the marketplace of textiles, ceramics, clothing and sweets. Find your Arab/Tunisian attire here for the Welcome Dinner. Sonya's grandfather's bookstore of over 50 years (recently closed) sits at one of the entrances of the Souk. Dhuhr and Asr will be at Zaytuna Mosque within the Souk. Modest attire is required. Sidi Bou Said: A beautiful town known for its blue and white homes and views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy street food, stop in at a cafe or peruse art galleries. Dar Al Annabi Museum: Heritage museum of traditional Tunisian lifestyle, including a pre-wedding celebration. The museum was formally a private home of the Annabi family, owned by the uncle of Mama Hasna, Sonya's paternal grandmother. Entrance fee is 5 Tunisian Dinars. Lunch at a local restaurant There will be an English-speaking guide to accompany us. Cost of Transport: TBD Unfortunately, due to the proximity to the wedding, RSVPs are now closed for this event.

Excursion 2 - History of Tunisia

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Itinerary: South of Hammamet The Great Mosque of Kairouan: Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kairouan, it is one of the oldest places of worship and one of the largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. Dhuhr and Asr will be performed here. Modest attire is required. Medina of Kairouan Kairouan’s old town, or medina, developed behind the walls of the Great Mosque and seems to have changed little over the centuries. Shops line the main thoroughfare. The medina may look familiar since it was featured in one of the greatest movies of all time. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Scenes depicting 1930s Cairo were actually filmed in Kairouan. House of the Governor: Once home to Kairouan’s 18th century Ottoman bey, this grand mansion is now a carpet emporium. This region produces some of the finest carpets in Tunisia. Works-in- progress are displayed on looms as well as finished carpets. There will be an English-speaking guide to accompany us. Cost of Transport: TBD Unfortunately, due to the proximity to the wedding, RSVPs are now closed for this event.

Welcome Dinner

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Family Home of Amine Benelfoul - Sonya's Cousin
Hammamet, Tunisia
Attire: Tunisian/North African/Arab Influence (Optional)
The Haleems, Khans, Annabis and Kavanaghs warmly welcome you to Sonya's cousin's home in the midst of olive groves and flower gardens to launch the weaving of Tunisian, Irish and Hyderabadi cultures over the next five days.

Traditional Hammam (Spa)

Thursday, May 21, 2026
12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Attire: Beach Attire
A traditional Tunisian hammam is an immersive, multi-step experience designed to not only cleanse but also to relax and rejuvenate. Start in a dry, warm room to acclimate to the heat. Relax in the steam room, then get scrubbed by an attendant or use a provided Kessa/Hakeka (exfoliating) mitt. Lastly, use mud to rehydrate your skin and then rinse. Ladies and Gentlemen will attend separate hammams at staggered times. Ladies will lead their procession to the Hammam with music and dance through the medina! Please dress to your comfort level. Beach attire is acceptable. *Please note this experience is limited to guests 16 years+*

Mehndi/Henna

Friday, May 22, 2026
5:00 PM–11:00 PM
KEN Village
P1, Sousse Governorate, Tunisia
Attire: Hyderabadi Influence (Optional)
Le Village Ken is a Tunisian cultural center that celebrates the Tunisian arts through rugs and pottery. There is an enchanted garden to explore the fauna and flora of Tunisia. This will be our night to celebrate Hyderabadi culture. Prepare for another pre-wedding traditional celebration filled with color, music, dancing and festivities into the night. Mehndi/Henna/Harkous can be applied at the event. Please visit the FAQs for suggested websites regarding Hyderabadi clothes.

Walima/Reception

Saturday, May 23, 2026
7:00 PM–12:00 AM
Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Hammamet
Avenue Hedi Nouira, Hammamet, Nabeul, 8050, Tunisia
Attire: Irish/American/Western Formal Dress
Formal reception celebrating the marriage. With the Mediterranean Sea in our midst, dine and dance to the music of the Irish, Arab, American and Indian cultures. Fill the evening with joy and laughter in the company of those beloved to us.

Farewell Brunch

Sunday, May 24, 2026
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Hammamet
Avenue Hedi Nouira, Hammamet, Nabeul, 8050, Tunisia
Attire: Smart Casual
As flight times allow, join us for a farewell breakfast to relax after the celebrations.