Tunisia

First big travel on my own

My dream always was to visit Egypt and I think this is why Africa was my first experience and continent where I went. THis was really exciting to me and trip was amazing because so much new and exotic things I never saw. Every corner to see was amazing to explore. For non experienced traveller I already did get to see a lot! I didn't care about beaches and parties (even I still got to see those of course) but straight away I did order excursions around Tunisia. My dream was to see a real desert, camels, scorpios and I was trying local food with such a curiosity. But in the end there turned out much more surprises then I did expect even my camel Bruno was special. Well more you can check in my gallery and I will share more facts with you below. :)

Located in southern Tunisia, it is the largest salt pan of the Sahara Desert, covering a staggering 7000 sq km. The lake bed is absolutely dry in the summer months and you can actually walk or drive over it. It fills up in winter through a small tributary. Due to the parched conditions and the geological formation of the landscape, the lake surface sometimes looks purple, green, or white. It was also filming location for a Star Wars movie and also featured in the novel Invasion of the Sea by Jules Verne. Take a guided tour of this stunning landscape. I went by buss with tourists group, much easier that way plus you get story from guide.

El Djem Amphitheater (Roman ruins)

The amphitheater — presently a UNESCO World Heritage Site — stands proudly not only as a symbol of Roman architecture but also of their conquest and strong foothold of North Africa. The town of El Djem in north eastern Tunisia has made its way into the tourist map for being home to the massive ancient Roman Amphitheater. It was built in the 2nd century AD by Gordian, the acclaimed Emperor of Thysdrus. With a seating capacity of 35,000, it was the third biggest amphitheater built by the Romans. Records state that it was used for chariot races and gladiator shows. .

Facts about Tunisia

Location

As the most northern country in the continent of Africa. It calls both Algeria and Libya neighbors, along with the gorgeous coastline of the Mediterranean Sea where the city Hammamet embodies beautiful resorts that tourists have flocked to since the 1960’s. In addition, travelers can traverse through the magnificent Sahara Desert.

Name

Tunis is Tunisia’s capital and it’s also the city that gave the country its name. Tunis is situated in the northeast part Tunisia.

History

Since long ago, Berbers have always lived in Tunisia. During the 12th century BC, Phoenician began to migrate into the land and established Carthage. During 149 BC, the Romans battled and won over Carthage while infusing Christianity and architecture to Tunisia.

During the first century of Islam, the Arabs took over Tunisia, then did the Ottomans from 1534 to 1574. In 1881, France conquered Tunisia hence travelers can get by easily speaking French in today’s Tunisia. By 1957, Tunisia retrieved independence with Habib Bourguiba and the country became the Tunisian Republic in 1957.

Population

Tunisia’s population is approximately ten million made up of mostly Arab-Berber. Other minorities include Europeans from France and Italy.

Language

There are two languages spoken in Tunisia: Arabic and French.

Religion

The majority of the population are Muslims with 99.1% being Sunni Muslims and 1% of Shia Muslims, Christians, Jewish and Baha’i. When you visit the great mosques in Kairouan, keep in mind that’s the fourth most important Muslim city behind Mecca.

Archeology

Travelers are typically surprised to see a heavy influence of Roman archeology in Tunisia. These World Heritage Sites and museums are must-see’s, including the Carthage-related landmarks that are surely at the top of every itinerary.

Transportation

Traveling throughout Tunisia requires a hired driver, especially if you’d like to visit cities outside of Tunis. The capital is also the only city with a proper metro system.

Hollywood

Fans of Star Wars have flocked to Tunisia to spot numerous filmmaking sites, including: Djerba (Episode IV), Tozeur, Lars Homestead Exterior (Luke’s home), Mos Espa, Tataouine…and so many more.