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A crash course in 3000 years of world history
Tunisia is situated on a part of the African continent that has been coveted throughout the centuries, the link between north and south and east and west. The result is a wealth of sites and monuments seen nowhere else in the world. Boubaker Ben Fraj, general director at the National Heritage Institute, explained, “We are an ancient country and we have an accumulation of layers of heritage linked to different historical periods starting with prehistoric sites, then from the Punic, Roman, Byzantine, Vandal, Islamic, colonial and independence periods. What’s particular about Tunisia is that we have remaining traces of all those civilizations and we recognize all of them. We consider that each historical period is one that has made us who we are today.” Tunisia distinguishes itself from other countries such as Egypt because of the variety of cultural sites. There are hundreds of Christian churches and hundreds of mosques. There are also pagan temples.
An estimated 2,500 sites are in Tunisia, many of which remain buried under the ground. Listing all of them is impossible but there are some that should not be missed. As an indication of the country’s rich heritage, Tunisia is home to seven monuments and sites on the UNESCO world heritage list. The Medina of Tunis This is probably the main attraction in the Tunisian capital. It was not until the eighth-century AD that Tunis became an important Arab Muslim settlement. Hassan Ibn Nooman, conqueror of Byzantine Carthage, chose to build a mosque, named Zitouna mosque in the city. It was a significant choice, since the construction of this sacred monument decided the future orientation of the town. From then on, Tunis became the religious, political and economic capital. The Medina is marvelously preserved still enclosed by ramparts with gates for communication with the exterior. The town has its own majestic townhouses, some of which are now being converted to restaurants, palaces, hammans, courts and gardens. Around the 18th century, the souks (colorful markets) were established around the great mosque. The Medina, through the magic of its palaces and arched narrow passages, transports tourists into another era. One could visit the Medina 100 times and always find something new. Among the landmarks not to be missed are the Ez-Zitouna Mosque, Dar El Bey, the National Library and, of course, the different souks.
Carthage is the site most representative of all the influences that have shaped Tunisia. The Phoenicians founded the city in 814 BC. It was also under Punic, Vandal, and Byzantine Roman and Arab rule. According to Professor Ennabli, curator of the museum of Carthage, “it is with Carthage that the history of Africa started because it is linked to the beginning of written history with Queen Dido.” After the seventh century, when Tunis became the favored site for the capital, Carthage was continuously pillaged as a source of building materials for the new capital. Now a large archeological zone is being set aside and protected as a national park. Future generations will be able to explore the remains of these civilizations, including a Punic quarter beneath the remains of a Roman forum, a Christian basilica and in the premises of a former seminary, the museum where archaeological relics excavated from the sites are exhibited. Kerkouane Kerkouane was founded in the sixth century BC. Because it is the only Punic settlement not to have been built over by subsequent civilizations, UNESCO has placed this site on its list. From the site, archaeologists have been able to learn more about the Punic civilizations including architecture, religious beliefs and funerary practices.
Kairouan and the great Mosque Kairouan is the third largest city in Tunisia. It is situated in the central part of the country about 20 miles from the seaside resort city of Sousse. It is the most important Muslim city in North Africa. Its cultural and scholastic influences extended to Europe and Asia after the ninth century. The most visited monument in Kairouan is the Great Mosque. It was first built in 670 by the famous conqueror, Okba ibn Nafaa under whom Kairouan became the capital of Arab-Muslim Ifryqia and the holy city of Islam. Kairouan is also known as the capital of carpet weaving in Tunisia. Carpets are still made by hands and take up to 12 months to complete. Some are woven and some are knotted. Carpets are made out of silk, sheep wool and camel hair. Natural dies are still being used, and the government assigns a number to each carpet to guarantee its authenticity. The Amphitheater of El Jem
Dougga When archaeologists began the excavation in this town situated southwest of Tunis, they were surprised to discover such a vast town buried under modern villages. Indeed, Dougga covers about 170 acres of steep mountainous terrain and lies at an altitude of 1,800 feet. Dougga was first settled by the Phoenicians, then by the Numidian Prince Masinissa in the third century BC. It expanded the most under the Roman Empire in the second and third centuries. The Byzantine inhabited it from then onwards. The site contains temple and shrines, public squares, public bath and theater, private homes and funerary monuments of different rites.
The Bardo Museum: 3,000 years of history in one place For tourists who will not be lucky enough to visit all the above listed sites, a visit to the Bardo Museum in Tunis will give a good overview of the wealth and depth of the Tunisian cultural heritage. The Bardo Museum ought to be visited by all that come to Tunisia not only for its amazingly rich collection for but also for the building that houses it. The museum was a bey’s palace built in the 19th century in the Moorish style. The ceilings are painted wooden ceilings and painstakingly sculpted plaster known as stuccoes that give it the appearance of lace. The walls are covered by ornamental ceramics. The museum holds collections of historical and archeological objects relating to the history of Tunisia from prehistory to the beginning of the 20th century. The thousands of objects are exhibited in fifty rooms and galleries. The Bardo holds one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. The most famous one is the only known portrait of the Latin poet Virgil.
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For those interested in history and cultural heritage, a
trip to Tunisia is a real delight. Tunisia is a country full of
surprises. Along almost every road, whether you’re driving north
to south or east to west, you’re bound to come across majestic remains
of past civilizations. They are the witnesses to Tunisia’s past
and have seen many conquerors come in and, in turn, be conquered.
The
advantage for tourists who come to Tunisia is that all the sites
can be visited in a relatively short period.
Carthage
Situated
in eastern Tunisia between the resort town of Sousse and Sfax, the
great amphitheater of El Jem is one of the most important Roman
monuments in Tunisia. It is recognized as the finest building in
classical Africa. Although smaller than the coliseum in Rome, the
El Jem amphitheater is more impressive because it lies unobstructed
by modern construction. It was founded during Julius Caesar’s reign.
It remains incredibly well preserved and tourists marvel at the
architectural and engineering genius of this civilization.
The
sites and monuments are only one element of the cultural experience
in Tunisia. Dozens of museums, mosques and palaces are there to
be visited. To add to the enchantment, Tunisia holds festivals from
March through November. The most popular are those that provide
entertainment in a magical venue such as the music festivals in
Carthage and Dougga.