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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