I recently had the opportunity to explore a fascinating in the country of Tunisia. Despite the news from the outside looking in, the other way around from those who are local have a very different perspective on the events these past few years. Tunisia is being reborn with new found freedoms, but also is trying to find moderation that serves both the religious and the secular.
Panorama of Lunch with my Tunisian friends. I pray for the religious freedoms and the rights and freedoms of those who wish to be secular. Tunisia represents the hopes of a new democracy built from a nation willing to rise up and demand for change.
This photo above captures the essence of modern and traditional. The head scarves have been a fascinating debate throughout the middle east. Great heated debates continue in many arab countries about whether the hijab should be worn to cover the head. Should it be legislated. Most now in Tunisia no longer wear it, but it also should be a choice for those that would choose to wear it. It’s not for me to say, but I’ve found a lot of people in Tunisia are willing to share their opinions about freedom.
In my time in the country with local friends I met through my technical connections in the SharePoint community. Tunisia is a very modern country with very strong ties to France. A lot of my technical contacts have frequent visits from technical folks in France and visa versa with Tunisia.
Tunisia is a beautiful place. While there I spent time across three main areas. Tunis the capital, the ruins of ancient Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said.
Here are 7 MUST SEE Places in Northern Tunisia: Tunis, Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said
1. Tunis Bardo Museum
Old Door in the Bardo Museum
Beautiful Ancient Doorway Nailwork
Stones found with religious art…
L: Adam and Eve R: Daniel and the Lions
2. Sidi Bou Said – Amazing city of blue and white… very beautifully preserved
Lots of things for tourists in the beautiful sea side city of Sid Bou Said. Incredible place to walk around and many shops will show you inside to see the interior of their homes and shops.
3. Carthage Cathedral
St Louis Cathedral in Carthage
The days of Christianity are remembered by the large cathedral, but there aren’t many Christians left in Tunis.
4. The Ruins of Carthage including many columns, statues and museum(s)
Acropolium
I have a lot to learn about Carthage, the Punic Wars, Hannibal… I think it was 5th grade and this part of history didn’t stick very well. Here’s a quote from Wikipedia on Carthage.
“A city of the Pheonician and Punic periods from the 6th BC it was the base of a powerful trading empire spanning the entire south Mediterranean and home to a population of the order of half a million people. Its most famous general was Hannibal who crossed the Alps to battle with the Romans. Hannibal suffered his first significant defeat at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC, which ended the 2nd Punic War. After over 50 years of being watched closely by Rome, they were eventually attacked in the 3rd Punic War. The citizens defended the city against the Republic of Rome in 146BC yet lost, and Punic Carthage was completely destroyed by the order of the Senate. The site was redeveloped by the Romans a century later and Carthage became the capital of the Roman province of Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage List site.”
Carthage Museum Statues
5. Medina in Tunis
Narrow walkways of the old Medina in Tunis
Old doorways that tell the story of time…
While I can’t compare the medina of Tunis with the medina of Rabat or Marrakech, there are major differences in the fact that as you exit the Medina and walk a few blocks you run into this large cathedral. Tunis has had a fascinating history that is captured in the museums and architecture of the old city. Looking at the doors on the right you can see how the archways have been filled in, many times over.
6. National Cathedral in Tunis
Tunisian National Catherdal across the street from French Embassy – I took this photo with a juxtaposition of the razor wire around the embassy. This was to keep the people from protesting too closely outside the walls of the embassy. Within a couple of blocks as well, you’ll find the fresh market.
7. Tunis Fresh Food Market
Open Air Fresh Foods Market in downtown Tunis
Tunis Theatre
Tunis Theatre – Very Ornate Theatre
I love learning about the history and culture of places and your blog is always enjoyable (and not just because you’re my brother). Dick and I were fortunate to visit Tunisia in Oct. 2011 on the day before the country’s first free election since 1956. The people were so happy and looking forward to voting. Carthage history dates back to 814 CE, so I was fascinated and wish we could also have visited Bardo National Museum. The village of Sidi Bou Said was simply beautiful with its white buildings trimmed in blue. I’m so glad you got to see all of that.
I love that you read my travel blog. I always look for your likes and ratings. It means a lot!
Tunesia – I never dream of going there and you have written such a beautiful story about it.
Tunisia is a fantastic place. They are very connected to France. They are actually quite progressive. Just a few hiccups and a revolution. I see this being a very important country in the future of Africa.