Tunisia
is an Arab Maghreb country in northern Africa, bordered by Algeria to
the west, Libya to the southeast and the Mediterranean Sea to the north
and east. The word Tunisia is derived from Tunis; a city and capital of
modern-day Tunisia. The name Tunis can be attributed to different
origins. It can be associated with the Phoenician goddess Tanith and
ancient city of Tynes.
Tunisia has a rich cultural history, ever
since Antiquity. The Carthaginian Empire, Rome's arch enemy, was
centred in Tunisia. Its capital, Carthage, is now a suburb of Tunis.
Founded by Phoenician settlers from Tyre and Sidon (modern day Lebanon),
Carthage was an ancient Mediterranean powerhouse. Three wars between
Rome and Carthage (known as the Punic wars) were waged in the first few
centuries before the birth of Christ. These culminated with the
decimation of Carthage in 146 B.C.
Carthage enjoyed a new period
of prosperity under the Roman Empire until its collapse in the 5th
century. Roman rule was replaced briefly by the Vandals, who made
Carthage the capital of their kingdom. Carthage was then absorbed
temporarily by the Byzantine Empire, until the rise of Islam in the 7th
century. Around the second half of the 7th century and the beginning of
the 8th century, the region was conquered by Arab Muslims, who founded
the city of Kairouan, which became the first city of Islam in North
Africa.
After the dissipation of the Arabic Caliphates, the
Ottoman Empire's Turkish Pashas ruled Tunisia. With the fall of the
Ottoman Empire, Tunisia eventually became victim to European Imperialism
in the form of a French Protectorate, along with neighboring Algeria.
The country got rid of the French occupation and the Tunisian republic
was proclaimed in 1956.
The culture of Tunisia is mixed due to
their long established history of conquerors such as Phoenicians,
Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks, Spaniards, and the French who
all left their mark on the country. The important elements of Tunisian
culture are diverse and represent a unique, mixed heritage. This
heritage can be experienced first-hand in: museums such as the Bardo
Museum, the contrast and diversity of city architecture such as Sidi Bou
Said or the medina of Tunis, cuisine such as cheeses and French
croissants, music reflecting Andalusian and Ottoman influences,
literature, cinema, religion, the arts, and sports and other areas of
Tunisian culture.
There are several ways to enjoy your vacation
in Tunisia, including spending a vacation on the gorgeous Mediterranean
beaches. Many water sport activities are widely available or you can
just relax, taking advantage of the almost relentless sunny climate.
Little remains of Carthage is an absolute must see for every visitor to
Tunisia. Further more, the country has some of the most accessible,
beautiful Saharan desert scenery. In recent years, ecotourism, spa and
medical tourism are emerging into Tunisia's tourist scene and growing
very fast.
Hundreds of international festivals, national,
regional or local punctuate the calendar year. Music and theatrical
festivals dominate the national cultural scene. The notable among them
are Carthage International Festival, Carthage Film Festival and Sahara
International Festival. |
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