It is not comparable nor does it match its excellence and pleasant taste. A mooring in the sea is nothing, as it does not protect from the wind. Rather, the ships moor in a small river where water and stones enter, and small boats moor there. It is not very wide, and the tide rises for mooring only about an arrow's shot. Its upper part is narrow. They have good irrigation and cleanliness, but in their desert, there is stubbornness, corruption, and highway robbery. From the city of Fes to the city of Sfax, descending along the coast, is 70 miles. The city of Sfax is located between it and Ifriqiya, a three-day journey south and west. The city of Sfax is a populous city with many markets, comprehensive construction, and a wall of stone with doors covered with iron plates. On its walls are precious watchtowers for defense, and its markets are bustling. Its people drink from springs, and fine fruits and wondrous varieties are brought to it from the city of Fes, sufficient for its needs, abundant and cheap. Fish are caught there, large in size and great in number. Their fishing is done with carved traps for them in the water. Its tide rises and falls. It has what is not found elsewhere. It has a good harbor with deep water. In general, the inhabitants are proud of their land and its people, and they consider themselves noble and possessive. The great king, Rajar, in the year 430 AH, of the Hijra, conquered the inhabited world. It is not like it was in terms of construction and markets, but rather it was in ancient times. From Sfax to the city of Mahdia, it is two stages. An agent from the great king Rajar is there. Mahdia is a city that has always been a center for trade, a destination for merchants from the East, West, Andalusia, and the lands of Rome, and its most important city. Large goods are brought to it.