Timeline & Key Eras

• 9th–8th century BCE: Phoenician traders (from what is today Lebanon) establish colonies including Carthage, which becomes a powerful maritime state.
• 146 BCE: After the Third Punic War, Rome destroys Carthage and absorbs the region into the Roman Empire.
• 7th century CE: Arab conquest introduces Islam and Arabic language; Kairouan is founded (important religious & intellectual center).
• 800–909 CE: Under Aghlabids, local sovereignty, architectural development (mosques, ribats, irrigation).
• 16th–19th centuries: Ottoman influence, local Beys (memluks), then increasing European (especially French) economic & political pressure.
• 1881–1956: French Protectorate era; modern infrastructure, education systems, railways introduced.
• 1956: Independence from France, establishing modern Tunisia.

Notable Sites & Legacies

• El Jem Amphitheatre, Roman-era coliseum still standing.
• Great Mosque of Kairouan, among the oldest and most influential mosques in North Africa.
• Medina of Tunis, centuries-old city center, with layers of Islamic, Ottoman, colonial features.
• Carthage ruins, tophet, harbor ruins, Roman baths, city walls.

Tunisian Dinar (TND)

The national currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND), divided into 1000 millimes (sometimes called “millim”).

Banknotes & Coins

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars are common.
• Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 millimes; 1 and 2 dinar coins.

Tips & Usage

• Credit cards work well in big cities, hotels, restaurants; but many rural places and small vendors prefer cash.
• ATMs are widely available, but sometimes limit to modest withdrawal amounts.
• Avoid exchanging money at places with hidden fees; verify rates ahead of time.
• Bringing some small bills or “millimes” helps for taxis, tips, small purchases.

Styles & Heritage

Traditional forms include Malouf (Andalusian origin, classical style), Mezoued (folk), and modern fusion combining pop, rai, and international genres. Music is central in weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals like the Carthage Festival.

Listen to Sample

This is a traditional tune from Sfax, often played at weddings, and no, it’s not Turkish 😄

Key Islands to Explore

• Djerba: The largest, with beaches, local crafts, synagogues, and relaxed island life.
• Kerkennah: Quiet, shallow waters, fishing villages, minimal tourism, ideal for escape.
• Ghar Melh: Coastal islands & nearby salt marshes, dunes, natural scenery.
• Galite Islands: Further north, more remote, marine biodiversity, diving potential.

Experience the Sahara

The Sahara (particularly in southern Tunisia) is a realm of sweeping dunes, dramatic rock outcrops, and timeless silence.

Highlights & Activities

• Tranquil dunes & changing light at sunrise/sunset.
• Camel caravans & guided treks through desert paths.
• Overnight camping in Bedouin-style tents, with stargazing and storytelling.
• Visiting oases, desert flora, and geological features like canyons, gorges.
• Desert safaris via 4×4, sandboarding, and exploring remote settlements.