How did Tunisia get its name?
It was called Africa by the Romans around 264-146 BC. This is what they named their first African colony which today is Tunisia. In the early centuries of the Islamic period Tunisia was called Ifriqiyyah.
The name Tunisia is believed to stem from the Berber word Tunis meaning “to lay down” or “encampment”. Tunis is the name of Tunisia’s modern capital city and urban center. Over time Tunisia came to be used for the entire country, which gained independence from France in 1956.
Where is Tunisia Located?
Tunisia is the northernmost country on the continent of Africa and part of the Maghreb region. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the east. It borders the Mediterranean Sea and has about 1100 kilometers of coastline and shares a maritime border with Italy. It is also only about 70 km from Southern Italy.
A Brief History of Tunisia
The history of Tunisia dates to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was later inhabited by the Phoenicians, who founded the city of Carthage in the 9th century BC. Carthage became a powerful city-state and a major center of trade in the Mediterranean, but it was eventually conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Today Carthage is an important UNESCO world heritage site which is located on the outskirts of Tunis.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Tunisia was ruled by a series of Arab and Berber dynasties, including the Aghlabids, Fatimids, and Zirids. In the 16th century, Tunisia became part of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region until the late 19th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tunisia was colonized by France, which established a protectorate over the country in 1881. During this time, Tunisia underwent significant modernization and development, but also experienced political repression and economic exploitation.
In the mid-20th century, Tunisia became a center of nationalist movements, and in 1956, it gained independence from France. Habib Bourguiba became the country's first president, and he implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the country and improving the lives of its citizens.
In the decades that followed, Tunisia experienced political instability and economic challenges, but it also made significant progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and women's rights.
In 2011, Tunisia was at the forefront of the Arab Spring, a series of protests and uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa. The protests led to the ouster of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the establishment of a democratic government.
Today, Tunisia is a democratic country with a diverse culture and a rich history. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities, and it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Tunisian Culture
Tunisia is a country with a rich and diverse culture that reflects its long history and the influence of various civilizations. The country's culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences, and it is characterized by its music, art, cuisine, and traditions.
The official language is Arabic. Although, most of the population speak what is known as Tunisian Arabic that has been heavily influenced by Berber, French and other languages. French is also widely spoken and considered a second language followed by English.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Tunisian culture is its music. Traditional Tunisian music is a blend of Arab and Berber styles, and it is characterized by its use of percussion instruments, such as the darbuka and the bendir, as well as stringed instruments like the oud and the kanun.
Tunisian music is often accompanied by dance, and there are many different styles of dance that are popular in the country, including the chaabi, the mezoued, and the stambali.
Tunisian culture is also known for its art and architecture. The country is home to many beautiful mosques, palaces, and other historic buildings, many of which date back to the Islamic Golden Age.
Tunisian art is characterized by its use of bright colors and intricate patterns, and it is often inspired by the country's natural landscapes and traditional motifs.
Tunisian culture is a vibrant and diverse mix of traditions and influences that reflects the country's long and rich history.
Tunisian Cuisine
Tunisian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and North African flavors, and it is known for its use of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients. The cuisine is loved for its bold and complex flavors.
One of the most popular Tunisian dishes is couscous, a staple food made from semolina wheat that is steamed and served with a variety of vegetables, meats, and spices. Another popular dish is brik, a type of savory pastry that is filled with egg, tuna, or meat and then fried until crispy. Tajine, a slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, is also a popular dish in Tunisia.
Tunisian cuisine is also known for its use of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and harissa, a spicy paste made from chili peppers. Harissa is a key ingredient in many Tunisian dishes, and it is often used to add heat and flavor to stews, soups, and sauces.
Seafood is also an important part of Tunisian cuisine, thanks to the country's long coastline. Some of the most popular seafood dishes in Tunisia include grilled fish, seafood couscous, and seafood tajine.
Finally, Tunisian cuisine is also known for its sweets and desserts. Some of the most popular Tunisian sweets include baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and honey, and makroudh, a sweet pastry made with semolina, dates, and honey. Yoyos are also beloved basically a Tunisian donut.
Tunisian cuisine is a delicious and diverse mix of flavors and ingredients that reflects the country's long and rich history. Whether you're trying traditional dishes like couscous and tajine or exploring the country's sweets and desserts, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Tunisian cuisine.
So Let’s enjoy a Tunisian Meal:
The Menu
Famous Condiment
Harissa (North African Chili Paste)
First Course
Mechouia Salad
Main Course
Tunisian Lamb Couscous
Dessert
Yoyo’s (Tunisian Donuts)
We set the scene with the colors of the Tunisian flag; red and white. We placed symbols of Tunisia, dates as Tunisia have fifty percent of the worlds date palms, citrus as it is another important export. We also placed a photo of some camels as the dromedary camel that has only one hump is the national animal. Jasmine was added as it the national flower.
We began our meal with “bil hana wa shifa” which means “may it be with pleasure and health”. As the hostess, I took the first bite which is customary there. We also ate with our right hand as the left is considered to be unclean and should not be used to eat or pass food.
Our first course was an amazing salad called Mechouia. This salad is made with roasted red peppers and a few hot ones along with tomatoes and onion. It has a wonderful dressing made with roasted garlic, coriander, caraway, olive oil and lemon. The salad was topped with tuna, olives and giant capers. Hard-boiled eggs were served alongside with some French bread. It was delectable and so flavorful. We simply devoured it.
The main course was a lamb couscous considered to be the national dish of Tunisia. It is loaded with flavor and has hearty vegetables in it like carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. It is also made with Tunisia’s famous harissa, a sauce made from chilies. This dish was so filling and delicious it is an easy one pot meal you will want to make again and again.
For dessert, we savored the delicious yoyo’s which are a Tunisian donut dipped in a sugar syrup flavored with orange, lemon, and honey. They were topped with some crushed pistachios. Truly, A heavenly bite.
As we say goodbye to this beautiful African country, I leave you with a couple inspiring quotes from a couple famous Tunisians:
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president and a key figure in the country's struggle for independence.
"The pen is mightier than the sword." - This famous quote, often attributed to Tunisian writer and philosopher Ibn Khaldun, emphasizes the power of ideas and the importance of intellectual pursuits.
“Until Next time”,
“Ila liqa fi marra okhra”
Darlene
