Recently, this state has more and more attracted the attention of tourists. All this is due to its rich historical heritage, magnificent climate and pristine beaches with emerald crystal clear water. This is Tunisia - one of the most developed countries in North Africa. This region is famous for its hydrocarbon reserves.
For tourists going on vacation to the sunny shores of Tunisia, it is not superfluous to learn about the most important and interesting of the history of the country of Tunisia. How did it all begin and how has the modern state been formed since ancient times?
At the end of the 12th century BC, when the Phoenicians arrived on the shores of Tunisia, the colonial settlements of Hadrumet, Utiku, Leptis and Hippon arose here. Having formed the centers of trade and production, they were shrines and strongholds. The city of Carthage has gained particular popularity among them (in Arabic, “cartage” sounds).
This article will present the history of the country of Tunisia. Sights closely related to it will also be described.
Geographical position
The State of Tunisia (Al-Jumhuria at-Tunisia) is a republic located on the northern coast of Africa. It is washed in the north and east by the Mediterranean Sea, it borders with Algeria in the southwest and west, and it is adjacent to Libya in the southeast.
Most of the country is represented by plains, 1/3 of the territory is represented by spurs of the Atlas mountains, which are divided into the southern and northern massifs. The lowest point is Shot el-Garza (17 meters below the sea level), the highest - the city of Jebel Khambi (height 1544 meters).
Before moving on to the history of the country of Tunisia, we will present some general information about the state.
general information
A small (population of 10 million people), but surprisingly interesting and hospitable country is one of the most Europeanized countries among the Arab states. The area of the territory is 155.360 thousand square meters. km, and together with the islands - 163.610 thousand square meters. km The capital is the city of the same name Tunisia.
The country has created excellent conditions for tourism, active and beach holidays. There are five international airports.
The ancient land attracts tourists with its centuries-old history, bright colors, noisy oriental bazaars, fragrant jasmine nature, magnificent sandy beaches (1300 kilometers of coastline), olive groves, picturesque forests of cork trees and golden deserts.
The history of Tunisia is important for tourists - without it it is impossible to fully experience the importance of everything seen in the country, especially since its history is multifaceted. A huge number of traces of the most ancient civilizations left in such settlements as Carthage, Kairouan and Kerkuan are fascinating with their grandeur and mystery.
Two interesting facts should be noted. It is in Tunisia (the mountain village of Matmata) that the peoples of the most ancient tribe (troglodytes), who are the indigenous population of the state, live today. They build their houses underground. The word itself from Greek translates as "crawling into a hole." The second curious fact is that one of the episodes of the famous film "Star Wars" (J. Lucas) was shot in the same area.
Modern Tunisia
The history of Tunisia, the sights of the modern state - everything is interconnected. The second are numerous traces of the past.
Tunisia gained independence in 1956, and a year later it was proclaimed a presidential republic. The first head of state, Habib Bourguiba, has been in power for 30 years. After him, Zin al-Abidine Ben Ali (current president) took this place of honor. The first president carried out quite radical reforms, mostly related to religious customs. Today, Tunisia (98% of the population profess Islam) is one of the most liberal states among all Muslims. Equality between women and men is established here, polygamy is prohibited, and on August 13, official Women's Day is celebrated. The former president also opposed some of the rules of Ramadan. In a televised speech, he said that Allah would not mind that the economy in Tunisia flourished, but this is not possible if the people are starving from dawn to dusk.
The state has a fairly high standard of living, even on a global scale. Only 6.7% of the population are below the poverty line.
Tourism in the country is a rapidly developing sector of the economy; approximately 6 million visitors from many countries come to Tunisia annually.
Tunisia History
It is briefly difficult to fully familiarize yourself with the history and culture of the state.
The famous Carthage is located in Tunisia. It was founded by the Phoenicians (colonists) from the city of Tire in 814 BC. After the Phoenicians lost their influence, the city became the capital of a large state in the Western Mediterranean. By the third century BC, the state of Carthage subjugates North Africa, Southern Spain, Corsica, Sardinia and western Sicily. But it lost all these conquests after the wars against Rome, and was also completely destroyed in 146 BC.
Around 800, a state reappeared in Tunisia under the rule of the dynasties of emirs of Aglabids. Tunisia has been under the rule of the Ottoman Empire since 1574, and since 1704 it has become a relatively independent vassal state. He was also a colony of France in the period 1881-1956, although he had his own anthem, coat of arms, postage stamps and money. Then, since 1956, Tunisia became an independent state.
The history of Tunisia can be summarized in the following important dates:
- 814 BC e. - The foundation of the famous Carthage by the Phoenicians;
- 146 BC e. - the capture of Carthage by the Romans;
- 670 year - the foundation of Kairouan (the first Muslim city of Maghrib);
- 1590 - the capture of Tunisia by Turkish troops;
- 1881 - establishment of a French colony;
- 1956 - gaining independence and proclamation of a republic.
The following article provides more detailed information about the most important pages in the history of Tunisia - the oldest state.
The Tradition of Dido
The history of this Arab state is filled with dramatic events. At the mention of Carthage, a crackling crack of spears and the roar of elephants appear.
According to legend, this city was founded by Queen Dido, a contemporary of the fall of Troy. Under an agreement with the king of Numidia, Dido received such an area of African land that could be covered only by the skin of a bull. However, not bewildered, she cut this skin into such thin strips that they encircled the whole Birsa hill.
Unfortunately, this story ended terribly sad. Dido, who fell in love with Aeneas (a Trojan hero), passing by, could not keep him, and then committed suicide. The myths say that the descendants of the same Aeneas founded Rome, which, in turn, did not bode well for Carthage.
Carthage
Scientists suggest that settlements arose here as far back as 2000 BC. The most important stage in the history of Tunisia is Carthage. As noted above, at the beginning of the ninth century BC, the Phoenicians founded Carthage. From that life today there are practically no traces left, except for clay shards and a brief description of some sacrifices. Apparently, the Carthaginians possessed elements of various cultures: Greek, Syrian and Egyptian.
Over time, Carthage gained immense power in the Mediterranean and became a state of unprecedented power, subjugating many territories. It should be noted that there are preserved references to "Tunes" - the name of a small suburb in Carthage.
Punic Wars
Another of the most important periods in the ancient history of Tunisia is the Punic Wars. They occurred from the middle of the 3rd to the middle of the 2nd century BC. Battles began between the Romans and the Carthaginians in Sicily and at sea, and only then continued on the African shores.
As a result, after the first war, Carthage lost Sicily, but after some time the Carthaginian commanders conquered Spain and even managed to establish several cities there, including Barcelona. Gathering a huge army and gaining strength, they again opposed Rome. It was the second Punic War that became famous for the fact that Hannibal (Carthaginian commander) made the very legendary passage through the Alps with 300 elephant fighting elephants.
The sunset and rebirth of Carthage
The commander Hannibal won stunning victories in Italy (including the Battle of Cannes), but the Romans managed to turn the tide of hostilities and push the Carthaginians back to Africa, and finally defeat them. The third war, after a three-year severe siege, ended with the capture and complete destruction of Carthage.
An important milestone in the history of Tunisia is the revival of Carthage. The new, most beautiful in the world of Carthage, the Romans built on a completely flat place, remaining from the former city after the past wars. He became the capital of Roman Africa, the center of the origin of Christian thought. In 439, the Vandals captured Carthage, thereby robbing the Romans of Africa, and then destroyed Rome itself. The Vandals were replaced in 533 by the Byzantines, then cautiously watching the Berber tribes threatening them from the Sahara.
In the middle of the 7th century, Arabs treacherously invaded North Africa, and Carthage was again destroyed. This was the beginning of the revival of Islamic Tunisia. Mosques began to be built. Since then, there has been a change of Muslim dynasties on the throne and wars have been periodically waged with local tribes.
New story
The city of Tunisia under the Hafisids is becoming an important city in the world of Islam and the largest trading port. Strengthening ties with Europe begins. In 1534, the pirate Barbarossa from Turkey captures the city and since then begins a long and difficult period of claims to the city of Spain and the Ottoman Empire.
At the end of the 19th century, Tunisia was occupied by the French troops, after which the population in the city greatly increased, the lifestyle and appearance sharply changed. It gains independence from France only after the Second World War.
Djerba Island
The history of Tunisia will be incomplete if you do not imagine this amazing island, located in the very south of the state. Often it is called the island of dreams. The wonderful climate, the azure sea and magnificent ancient architecture make the island the most visited tourist destination in Tunisia. Its capital is Djerba.
In one of the most picturesque cities (Houmt Souk) on the island there is one of the saddest sights - the Bord El-Rus tower (tower of skulls). This is the most important page in the history of an exotic island. Several stories and legends are associated with it.
Exciting in every way Tunisia. The history of Djerba is a part of the exciting history of the whole state. For the first time the island was discovered by the Phoenicians, sailing by on a merchant ship. Actively exploring this rather fertile piece of land began the very mariners who settled well here, especially since the natural resources here were quite rich. The island of Djerba and the city of Houmt Souk in their entire history have been replaced by many peoples, because it is located at the intersection of numerous sea routes, which is convenient for life and trade. Spaniards, Turks, Carthaginians, and Romans lived here.
Bord El Rouss Tower
Once, in the 16th century, Drogut Reis (the great conqueror) arrived on the island, called in folklore and among the people the "Sirte Falcon." By that time, Christians lived there, who did not want to give the city of Houmt Souk to the cruel tyrant and went out to fight with his troops. Of course, they practically had no hope of defeating the warriors, they only tried to preserve their honor and defend their homes.
The Bordj El-Rus tower with the collected skulls of those same dead defenders of the city was a reminder of that fierce battle. More than 5,000 peasants died then. The tower was built by the conquerors for edification, but in 1848 this huge building was demolished, and the skulls were buried in a European cemetery. Little is left of this tower today, but locals remember and honor their ancestors. Now a pyramid has been established in memory of them, and it makes a fitting impression only on those tourists who know about this story, which has its deepest meaning - reproach to violence and wars that occurred not only in Tunisia, but also in the world.
Finally
The history of Tunisia is endless. It is impossible to know all of it. On its territory, man has lived since the Paleolithic. Traces of the most ancient cultures were discovered here: Mousterian, Acheulean, Ibero-Mauritian and Atherian. It is assumed that their change occurred with the advent of new tribes and peoples.
The information presented in the article is sufficient for tourists vacationing on the sunny shores of a unique state to more fully experience the importance of the events that took place in Tunisia.