SW RECCE SITE FOUND: ABU MISWAR MOSQUE

6 March 2021

Continuing the effort to identify all Star Wars franchise scouted sites in Tunisia, Galaxy Tours CEO (Davin Anderson) in close cooperation with Djerban heritage expert Marwen Ben Brahim discovered on 6 March 2021 a “lost” Star Wars scouted site in Hachan on Djerba island. The search to identify Abu Miswar Mosque as a franchise recce site spanned more than 12 months.

Site: Abu Miswar Mosque
GPS: 33.862203, 10.821254
Location: Hachan outskirts, Djerba (Tunisia)
Description: Ibadi complex (late 9th century CE)
Star Wars scouted set concept: Anchorhead | Tosche Station (exterior)

A series of six known recce photographs, taken by John Barry (production designer) during the mid-November 1975 Star Wars location scout in Tunisia, led to this discovery. Most of Barry’s photos were shot inside the Abu Miswar Mosque complex from the northeast corner area near the primary entrance. One photo depicting the perimeter exterior was taken southeast of the complex.

Djerban authorities have designated Abu Miswar Mosque as an essential cultural heritage landmark with funds appropriated to ensure periodic upkeep. The entire complex—open to visitors—remains distinctly recognizable, offering clear reference points to line up Barry’s recce photos.