Greetings! We recently returned from a trip to The Republic of Tunisia (too-NEE-zha; country #110), where we were able to experience the capital, Tunis (TOO-niss), as well as the ancient city of Carthage, and the Mediterranean city of Sidi Bou Saïd (sid-ee boo sah-EED). Below, you will find information (from tour guides and our own research) and photos from our trip.
Tunisia is a country in North Africa (population 11.7 million; area is about the size of the US state of Wisconsin) that lies along the Mediterranean Sea, and borders Algeria (to the west) and Libya (to the southeast). The capital, Tunis (TOO-niss) is the largest in population (790,000 people) of the 264 districts/governates, but the smallest in area. The population in Tunisia is 98% Arab, 1% European, and 1% Jewish and “Other.” As a result, Arabic is the official language of Tunisia, and Arabic and French are languages of commerce.
(city gate, translated to mean “gate of the sea”)
Greek legend has it that Tunisia was first inhabited by an outsider in the 9th Century BCE (Before Common Era) called Dido (princess of Tyre), who escaped to Carthage (cahr-TAHJ) after her husband was killed. Legend aside, Ancient Tunisia was inhabited by the Berbers, who are indigenous to the land. In the twelfth century, the Phoenicians (who were Semitic) arrived, and by the 7th century BCE, they had grown Ancient Carthage into a powerful city. Descendants of the Phoenicians were called Punic people, and they built up Ancient Carthage into an even more prominent city. In 146 BC, the Romans took over and ruled for the next 500 years.
In the 600s, the Arabs conquered Carthage, and reigned for several centuries. They brought Islam and Arab culture to the country, and converted the native Berbers, firmly establishing the language and culture within the country by the 15th century (Christianity and Latin had completely disappeared from Tunisia by the 13th century).
In 1586, the Ottoman Empire took control and reigned Tunisia as an autonomous province of the Empire until 1881, when the French took control. While visiting, we noticed that French was widely spoken in Tunis, while we primarily heard Arabic in Carthage and other surrounding locations. In addition, most signage was in both languages, though primarily in Arabic.
Tunisia was a French colony until its independence as the Tunisian republic in 1956, when it was then led by President Habib Bourguiba for the next 30 years. Today, Tunisia is a member of the United Nations, and has close economic and political relationships with France and Italy.
SIDI BOU SAΪD
Sidi Bou Saïd (sid-ee boo sah-EED), named after a religious scholar from the 13th century, is a town in Northern Tunisia (20km/12mi north of Tunis) that overlooks the Gulf of Tunis. The religious scholar established a sanctuary in Sidi Bou Saïd, and was buried there upon his death in 1231. Wealthy citizens from Tunis began to build residences in this town in the 18th century, and in the 1920s, the blue-white theme was introduced to the town. As a result, this town is often compared to Santorini in Greece.
Tunisia is a beautiful country with very warm people whose kindness was offered with no strings attached. This was a great way for us to start the new year, and is a place that I would recommend others visit.
Until next time, take care, be well, and travel safely…