Tunis Tunisia 2003
This was my first trip to Tunisia, which was centred mostly in and around Tunis. There was plenty for me and Keith to see over the 7 nights that we have spent together. Socially, I found the Tunisians absolutely wonderful, helpful, and kind.marvelous.
Both on arrival have visited Sdi bu said aria and got refreshed and smoked some pipes with honey tobacco.
The Tunis market its wonderful place to visit full of spices and lovely fruits.
Its Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 651,183 as of 2013. The greater metropolitan area holds some 2,300,000 inhabitants.
Situated on a large Mediterranean Sea gulf (theGulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette (Halq al Wadi), the city extends along the coastal plain and the hills that surround it. At the centre of more modern development (from the colonial era and later) lies the old medina. Beyond this district lie the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa, and Sidi Bou Said.
Just through the Sea Gate (also known as the Bab el Bahr and the Porte de France) begins the modern city, or Ville Nouvelle, transversed by the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba (often referred to by popular press and travel guides as "the TunisianChamps-Élysées"), where the colonial-era buildings provide a clear contrast to smaller, older structures. As the capital city of the country, Tunis is the focus of Tunisian political and administrative life; it is also the centre of the country's commercial activity. The expansion of the Tunisian economy in recent decades is reflected in the booming development of the outer city where one can see clearly the social challenges brought about by rapid modernization in Tunisia.
One thing you must see its the Roman settlement Cartage.Has lovely examples of Musics.About 800 BC the Phoenicians established Carthage on the edge of a region in North Africa that is now Tunisia. The city became the commercial center of the western Mediterranean and retained that position until overthrown by Rome.
The following history of the Carthaginians is divided into two parts. In
the first is given a general idea of the manners of that people, their
character, government, religion, power, and riches. In the second after
relating, in few words, by what steps Carthage established and enlarged its
power, there is an account of the wars by which it became so famous.
Section I: Carthage Formed After The Model Of Tyre, Of Which That City Was A Colony
The Carthaginians were indebted to the Tyrians, not only for their
origin, but their manners, language, customs, laws, religion, and the great
application to commerce, as will appear from every part of the sequel. They
spoke the same language with the Tyrians, and these the same with the
Canaanites and Israelites, that is the Hebrew tongue, or at least a language
which was entirely derived from it. Their names had commonly some particular meaning: thus Hanno signified gracious, bountiful; Dido amiable, or well beloved; Sophonisba, one who keeps faithfully her husband's secrets. From a spirit of religion, they likewise joined the name of God to their own, conformably to the genius of the Hebrews. Hannibal, which answers to Ananias, signifies Baal (or the Lord) has been gracious to me. Asdrubal, answering to Azarias, implies the Lord will be our succor. It is the same with other names, Adherbal, Maharbal, Mastanabal, etc. The word Poeni, from which Punic is derived, is the same with Phoeni or Phoenicians, because they came originally from Phoenica. In the Poenulus of Plautus is a scene written in the Punic tongue, which has very much exercised the learned.
But the strict union which always subsisted between the Phoenicians and
Carthaginians is still more remarkable. When Cambyses had resolved to make war upon the latter, the Phoenicians, who formed the chief strength of his fleet, told him plainly, that they could not serve him against their countrymen; and this declaration obliged that prince to lay aside his design. ^575 The Carthaginians, on their side, were never forgetful of the country from whence they came, and to which they owed their origin. They sent regularly every year to Tyre a ship freighted with presents, as a quitrent or acknowledgment paid to their ancient country; and its tutelar gods had an annual sacrifice offered to them by the Carthaginians, who considered them as their protectors. They never failed to send thither the first fruits of their revenues, nor the tithe of the spoils taken
from their enemies, as offerings to Hercules, one of the principal gods of
Tyre and Carthage. The Tyrians, to secure from Alexander, who was then
besieging their city, what they valued above all things, I mean their wives
and children, sent them to Carthage, where, at a time that the inhabitants of
the latter were involved in a furious war, they were received and entertained
with such a kindness and generosity as might be expected from the most tender and opulent parents. Such uninterrupted testimonies of a warm and sincere gratitude do a nation more honor than the greatest conquests and the most glorious victories.
The Religion Of The Carthaginians
It appears from several passages of the history of Carthage, that its
generals looked upon it as an indispensable duty to begin and end all their
enterprises with the worship of the gods. Hamilcar, father of the great
Hannibal, before he entered Spain in a hostile manner, offered up a sacrifice
to the gods. And his son, treading in his steps, before he left Spain, and
marched against Rome, went to Cadiz in order to pay the vows he made to
Hercules, and to offer up new ones, in case that god should be propitious to
him. After the battle of Cannae, when he acquainted the Carthaginians
with the joyful news, he recommended to them, above all things, the offering
up a solemn thanksgiving to the immortal gods, for the several victories he
had obtained. Pro his tantis totque victoriis verum esse gratis diis
immortalibus agi haberique.
The city its very white and with lovely flowers.Has fantastic flowers.On the second day we have visited the beach and got some sun.
The national history museum its lovely and has many things to offer.Visiting "Bardo" museum its one of the things you must do.The museum contains the buggiest collection of Roman had Greek musics in the world and acient artifacts from the Islamic period.
Both on arrival have visited Sdi bu said aria and got refreshed and smoked some pipes with honey tobacco.
The Tunis market its wonderful place to visit full of spices and lovely fruits.
Its Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 651,183 as of 2013. The greater metropolitan area holds some 2,300,000 inhabitants.
Situated on a large Mediterranean Sea gulf (theGulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette (Halq al Wadi), the city extends along the coastal plain and the hills that surround it. At the centre of more modern development (from the colonial era and later) lies the old medina. Beyond this district lie the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa, and Sidi Bou Said.
Just through the Sea Gate (also known as the Bab el Bahr and the Porte de France) begins the modern city, or Ville Nouvelle, transversed by the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba (often referred to by popular press and travel guides as "the TunisianChamps-Élysées"), where the colonial-era buildings provide a clear contrast to smaller, older structures. As the capital city of the country, Tunis is the focus of Tunisian political and administrative life; it is also the centre of the country's commercial activity. The expansion of the Tunisian economy in recent decades is reflected in the booming development of the outer city where one can see clearly the social challenges brought about by rapid modernization in Tunisia.
One thing you must see its the Roman settlement Cartage.Has lovely examples of Musics.About 800 BC the Phoenicians established Carthage on the edge of a region in North Africa that is now Tunisia. The city became the commercial center of the western Mediterranean and retained that position until overthrown by Rome.
The following history of the Carthaginians is divided into two parts. In
the first is given a general idea of the manners of that people, their
character, government, religion, power, and riches. In the second after
relating, in few words, by what steps Carthage established and enlarged its
power, there is an account of the wars by which it became so famous.
Section I: Carthage Formed After The Model Of Tyre, Of Which That City Was A Colony
The Carthaginians were indebted to the Tyrians, not only for their
origin, but their manners, language, customs, laws, religion, and the great
application to commerce, as will appear from every part of the sequel. They
spoke the same language with the Tyrians, and these the same with the
Canaanites and Israelites, that is the Hebrew tongue, or at least a language
which was entirely derived from it. Their names had commonly some particular meaning: thus Hanno signified gracious, bountiful; Dido amiable, or well beloved; Sophonisba, one who keeps faithfully her husband's secrets. From a spirit of religion, they likewise joined the name of God to their own, conformably to the genius of the Hebrews. Hannibal, which answers to Ananias, signifies Baal (or the Lord) has been gracious to me. Asdrubal, answering to Azarias, implies the Lord will be our succor. It is the same with other names, Adherbal, Maharbal, Mastanabal, etc. The word Poeni, from which Punic is derived, is the same with Phoeni or Phoenicians, because they came originally from Phoenica. In the Poenulus of Plautus is a scene written in the Punic tongue, which has very much exercised the learned.
But the strict union which always subsisted between the Phoenicians and
Carthaginians is still more remarkable. When Cambyses had resolved to make war upon the latter, the Phoenicians, who formed the chief strength of his fleet, told him plainly, that they could not serve him against their countrymen; and this declaration obliged that prince to lay aside his design. ^575 The Carthaginians, on their side, were never forgetful of the country from whence they came, and to which they owed their origin. They sent regularly every year to Tyre a ship freighted with presents, as a quitrent or acknowledgment paid to their ancient country; and its tutelar gods had an annual sacrifice offered to them by the Carthaginians, who considered them as their protectors. They never failed to send thither the first fruits of their revenues, nor the tithe of the spoils taken
from their enemies, as offerings to Hercules, one of the principal gods of
Tyre and Carthage. The Tyrians, to secure from Alexander, who was then
besieging their city, what they valued above all things, I mean their wives
and children, sent them to Carthage, where, at a time that the inhabitants of
the latter were involved in a furious war, they were received and entertained
with such a kindness and generosity as might be expected from the most tender and opulent parents. Such uninterrupted testimonies of a warm and sincere gratitude do a nation more honor than the greatest conquests and the most glorious victories.
The Religion Of The Carthaginians
It appears from several passages of the history of Carthage, that its
generals looked upon it as an indispensable duty to begin and end all their
enterprises with the worship of the gods. Hamilcar, father of the great
Hannibal, before he entered Spain in a hostile manner, offered up a sacrifice
to the gods. And his son, treading in his steps, before he left Spain, and
marched against Rome, went to Cadiz in order to pay the vows he made to
Hercules, and to offer up new ones, in case that god should be propitious to
him. After the battle of Cannae, when he acquainted the Carthaginians
with the joyful news, he recommended to them, above all things, the offering
up a solemn thanksgiving to the immortal gods, for the several victories he
had obtained. Pro his tantis totque victoriis verum esse gratis diis
immortalibus agi haberique.
The city its very white and with lovely flowers.Has fantastic flowers.On the second day we have visited the beach and got some sun.
The national history museum its lovely and has many things to offer.Visiting "Bardo" museum its one of the things you must do.The museum contains the buggiest collection of Roman had Greek musics in the world and acient artifacts from the Islamic period.
Mosque Sidi Youssif
Youssef Dey Mosque, also known as Al B'chamqiya, is a mosque in Tunis, Tunisia, located in Medina area of the city. The mosque is considered significant as it was the first Ottoman-Turkish mosque to be built in Tunis.
An official Historical Monument, it operated primarily as public speaking venue before becoming a real mosque by Youssef Dey in 1631. At the time it was the 11th mosque to be built in the capital. In the late nineteenth century it underwent extensive restoration, ordered by Ali Bey. A decree in 1926 saw the mosque become an annex of the
An official Historical Monument, it operated primarily as public speaking venue before becoming a real mosque by Youssef Dey in 1631. At the time it was the 11th mosque to be built in the capital. In the late nineteenth century it underwent extensive restoration, ordered by Ali Bey. A decree in 1926 saw the mosque become an annex of the
Catholic Cathedral St Vincent de Paul
Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Tunis. Dedicated to Saint Vincent de Paul, patron saint of charity, the cathedral is the see of the Archdiocese of Tunis. It is situated in the Place de l'Indépendence in the Ville Nouvelle, a crossroads between Avenue Habib Bourguiba and Avenue de France, opposite theFrench embassy.
The church was built in a mixture of styles, including Moorish revival, Gothic revival, and Neo-Byzantine. Construction began in 1893 and the church was opened at Christmas 1897, albeit with temporary wooden bell towers owing to a shortage of funds.Tunisian Architecture
The church was built in a mixture of styles, including Moorish revival, Gothic revival, and Neo-Byzantine. Construction began in 1893 and the church was opened at Christmas 1897, albeit with temporary wooden bell towers owing to a shortage of funds.Tunisian Architecture
Tunisian architecture includes a variety of influences. The earliest of these can be seen in the Roman and Punic remains that are scattered throughout the northern regions and along the coast. Much later, the colonial era brought with it new civic styles including the French Ville Nouvelle with wide streets, public parks and houses with elaborate stree facing facades. Ancient Berber architecture is most common in the south of the country where the troglodyte pit houses and ksour (fortified granaries) reveal a way of life that has changed little over the centuries.
SOUTHERN ARCHITECTURE
Some Berbers of southern Tunisia lived partly underground.Their ancient homes, dug down into circular pits, maintainedthe same temperature of about 17° C (63° F) throughout theyear. This building tradition goes back many hundreds ofyears, but the most famous homes of this type, found inMatmata, date from the 19th century. A “pit house” wasinhabited by just one family, with the number of roomsbeing appropriate to the family’s size and wealth.
PUNIC ARCHITECTURE
Punic architecture is associated mainly with Carthage,which was founded in 813 BC. Its most obvious featureis a distinct town layout, with houses built on slopesaround a square. Another hallmark of this style is thehorizontal and vertical arrangement of building stones,known as opus africanum. Coastal towns often hadtwo harbours, northern and southern, which were useddepending on the wind direction.The temples were built in themountains, close to springs,trees and stones, which wereseen as sacred.
ROMAN ARCHITECTURE
A typical Roman town was constructed on a chequered layout. At its heart was the forum, which was dominated by a temple (capitol) devoted to various deities. Everyday life concentrated around the market square. Entertainment was provided by the theatre, and the baths were used for relaxation and hygiene.
THE COLONIAL ERA
With the advent of the French protectorate in 1881, Tunisian towns acquired straight avenues, flanked by public buildings. The style of the day combined European and Islamic elements. European design incorporated arcades and horseshoe arches and the fa˜ades of elegant villas were further embellished with loggias and balconies adorned with beautiful wrought-iron grilles.
MINARETS
Minarets (from the Arabic for lighthouse) are found at one corner of a mosque. According to tradition, the
Prophet Mohammed intended to use a trumpet (as did the Jews) or a rattle to call the faithful to prayer
but one of his disciples saw a mysterious apparition that revealed to him the words of a prayer. Mohammed
instructed the Bilal (the first muezzin), endowed with a powerful voice, to learn the words. Since then, five times a day, the muezzin’s chant cuts through the daily bustle of Muslim towns and villages. There are two main styles of minarets found in Tunisia; the older one has a rectangular base, while the ones built on an octagonal plan were popularized by the Turks.
MOSQUES
The mosque or masjid (“a place of worship”) is one of the main forms of Islamic architecture. The basic elements include a courtyard surrounded by columns, and a prayer hall. The design is thought to be based on the house that belonged to Mohammed in Medina which had an oblong courtyard with huts. This courtyard has become the prayer hall which faces toward Mecca. The hall is separated from the rest of the mosque by a step or balustrade.
ZAOUIAS
Zaouias are humble resting places for people who have dedicated their lives to Islam. Simple in design, they are usually whitewashed and less grand than mausoleums, and can be found dotted around the towns and villages of Tunisia. Initially the name was given to an isolated part of a mosque that was used as a gathering place for Muslim mystics, mainly ascetic Sufis. Following the death of its master, a zaouia often became a sanctuary that attracted pilgrims.
BAB
A bab is a door or gate that not only leads into a town but is also used to divide a town’s areas into smaller quarters, creating a feeling of security, and guarding against unwelcome visitors. In the 20th century many of the gates disappeared, turning the private areas into public ones. But even now in Tunis or Kairouan, there are still gates that are centuries-old leading to private homes.
MEDERSAS
In the Middle Ages, a medersa was a law school, a type of Muslim university, and the main centre for promoting Sunni orthodoxy, Muslim law and theology. They generally included lecture halls and, as students traditionally lived there, boarding rooms. Designed along the same lines as a mosque, merdersas have an inner courtyard beyond the main entrance and also a prayer hall. The classrooms are generally located to the side of the courtyard. Most often found in the medina of large towns and cities, medersas can have incredibly elaborate decoration.
KASBAH
The kasbah is a specific type of fortress palace. It was normally the residence of the local ruler but it also provided shelter for the local population. Kasbahs (or citadels) were generally built on hilltops, mountain slopes or near harbours. Their distinctive features include high walls and small windows. Some of the most beautiful examples have survived in Sousse, Le Kef and Tunis.
Medina Tunis
BAb El Bhar
This attraction is located in Tunis , in the heart of downtown , at the end of street bou-rikiba one of the most important and famous and busiest streets of Tunisia .. It is similar to the "Arc de Triomphe" at Paris .. you can enjoy this monument by having a walk arround it and passing under the architecture ,..
This attraction is located in Tunis , in the heart of downtown , at the end of street bou-rikiba one of the most important and famous and busiest streets of Tunisia .. It is similar to the "Arc de Triomphe" at Paris .. you can enjoy this monument by having a walk arround it and passing under the architecture ,..
Sidi bou Said town
Sidi Bou Said a town in northern Tunisia located about 20 km from the capital, Tunis.On a day out of our hotel we have decided to see this beautiful market quarter and all coffees and aslo Sidi Bou Said Bay.In the 12th century/13th century AD Abou Said ibn Khalef ibn Yahia Ettamini el Beji arrived in the village of Jabal el-Menar and establishes a sanctuary. After his death in 1231, he was buried there. In the 18th century Turkish governors of Tunis and wealthy citizens of the latter built residences in Sidi Bou Said. During the 1920s,Rodolphe d’Erlanger applied the blue-white theme all over the town.The town its full of artists.Paul Klee has being visiting Sidi Bou Said.
Named for a religious figure who lived there, Abou Said ibn Khalef ibn Yahia Ettamini el Beji (previously it was called Jabal el-Menar). The town itself is a tourist attraction and is known for its extensive use of blue and white. Souvenirs can be bought in the main street. It can be reached by a TGM train, which runs from Tunis to La Marsa.
Named for a religious figure who lived there, Abou Said ibn Khalef ibn Yahia Ettamini el Beji (previously it was called Jabal el-Menar). The town itself is a tourist attraction and is known for its extensive use of blue and white. Souvenirs can be bought in the main street. It can be reached by a TGM train, which runs from Tunis to La Marsa.
Fort Kelibia
Kelibia is a coastal town on the Cap Bon peninsula, Nabeul Governorate in the far northeastern part of Tunisia. Its sand beaches are considered some of the finest of the Mediterranean sea. Kelibia was founded by the Carthaginians as the fortified town of Aspis in the 5th century BC.The main landmark of Kelibia is the recently restored Kelibia Fort overlooking the harbor. Kelibia is a fishing port and is home to Tunisia's National Fishing School. The town has a population of 43,209 (2004 census).
Dar El Annabi
A traditional Tunisian house, in the center of a lovely village, but too touristy for Tunisia, Sidi Bou Said. It belongs to Dar el Annabi, a Tunisian wealthy merchant offers the opportunity to learn a little more about life in Tunisia. It is a typical village house with white facade and striking blue doors. Inside the house you can see how they live, you can visit all the rooms, kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, patio, and rooftop with a wonderful view over the sea and the other blue and white roofs. I think it is also an art gallery. The cost is 2.50 DT per person, ie 1.50 euros, and they serve you tea. In some rooms featuring several scenes depicted with mannequins dressed in the clothing typical of the area. If you go you get an idea of the typical houses of the beautiful Mediterranean town.