According to historians, Borj Ennar was built at the same time as the foundation of the medina. Originally? Its main role was to monitor the interior of the medina and its surrounding lands, and to notify the rest of the forts that were guarding the maritime border of the country using firecrackers. It is to this role that the monument owes its current name, Borj Ennar meaning "Fort of fire" in Arabic.[1]
During the 18th century, a second fort was attached to the south facade of Borj Ennar. It is Borj Errbat, which got destroyed during the bombings of the Second World War.
Currently, Borj Ennar serves as the headquarters of the Association of Safeguard of the Medina of Sfax. Several other associations also organize their events in its main courtyard.[1]
