Tunis 2003

Bardo Museum Carthage El Jem Gabes Matmata Sbeitla Tunisian Market Tunisia 1975 Tunis 2003 Tunis 1975 Mosaics Roman Ruins

Tunis

 

the Tunis souq

Tunis (ancient Tunes), city, port, and capital of Tunisia, on the Lake of Tunis, northeastern Tunisia. The city is served by a nearby international airport and is connected by rail with other northern African ports. A commercial and industrial center, Tunis has plants producing chemicals, processed foods, and textiles; distilleries are also here. A ship channel connects the city with the Mediterranean Sea.

 

over the covered souq

The chief exports include carpets, fruit, iron ore, and olives. The city, which occupies an elevated isthmus, is divided into two parts: the old, walled, Muslim quarter and the newer European quarter. The streets of the older section are narrow and winding, with many well-furnished bazaars and splendid mosques.

 

leather shop

The Muslim quarter also contains the palace of the bey, or native ruler, which now houses a museum of arts and antiquities; and the Mosque of the Olive Tree (AD 732), which served as an Islamic university. The city is also the site of the University of Tunis (1960). Nearby are ruins of the ancient city of Carthage.

 

fabrics and perfume

Tunis was probably founded as a Phoenician settlement in the 6th century BC but was overshadowed by neighboring Carthage in ancient times. With Carthage, it was conquered by the Romans in 146 BC. A revived Tunis flourished after the Arabs took control during the 7th century AD and was especially prominent under the Hafsid dynasty (1228-1574). Pirating and trading assured the city's continued prosperity during the 17th and 18th centuries.

 

more perfume

The modern city of Tunis was built while Tunisia was under French rule (1881-1956). During that period the population increased dramatically as thousands of Europeans and Muslims were drawn to the area by growing commercial and industrial facilities.

 

pottery

 

metal plates

 

brass worker

When Tunisia won its independence, Tunis became its capital, and living conditions in the city were improved by an urban redevelopment program. Population (1994) 674,100.

Text from Microsoft Encarta

 

door

 

food stand

 

interior of a tea house

 

for the tourists

 

clothing

 

hats

 

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Bardo Museum Carthage El Jem Gabes Matmata Sbeitla Tunisian Market Tunisia 1975 Tunis 2003 Tunis 1975 Mosaics Roman Ruins

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