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Welcome, To this new issue of our digital lifestyle magazine for friends of Tunisia. Our magazines are also published as part of the bluuprint publishing library, where you can find all our latest editions as well as past issues, plus many more free magazines and books to read. In this issue we look at items of current interest in Tunisia Topics, and take a closer look at one of Tunisia's resort coasts of Monastir and Skanes. There are all our regular lifestyle pages on healthy living, Tunisian cuisine, sport and books, and not forgetting our business directory. Throughout the magazine there are offers, many of which are free to enter, with great prizes available, and for those of you visiting Tunisia, there is our regular tourist guide and map, with a quick look at some of the main places of interest. So there really is something for everyone....
Essential Tunisia Magazine Published by : LiveTunisia Distributed by : bluuprint.com Information: info@livetunisia.net Advertising: ads@livetunisia.net Design & Editing: LiveTunisia.com Contibutors: LiveTunisia Photos :LiveTunisia, PhotoXpress.com CoverFoto : BOOJOO/PhotoXpress
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In This Issue LIFESTYLE Tunisia Topics 10
Tunisia steps up a gear for a long hot summer
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One step nearer for Desertec concept in Tunisia
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Tunis - Medindustrie: An exhibition for a demanding and competitive market
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Obama speech resounds in Tunisia
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Places 18
Discovering Monastir and Skanes
Healthy Living 26
Why fish is so good for us: The Story of Salmon
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June - July 2011 FEATURES Tunisian & Medterranean Cooking 32
Tunisian Desserts: Crispy almond and sesame pastries Books
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Tunisia Nelles Map: New revision August 2011
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Sport 36
Football: North African clubs handed spectator bans and heavy fines
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Esperance of Tunisia and Al Ahly of Egypt renew bitter Champions League feud
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Tunisia Tourist Map
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Places of interest in Tunisia
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Business 48
Tunisia Directory
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REGULARS 52
Monthly Horoscope
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The Birthday File
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Tunisia Topics Tunisia steps up a gear for a long hot summer
After the much-publicised events of an historic winter, Tunisia is now looking forward to the start of the summer season and the launch of new flights to Djerba and new hotels in Tunis and Hammamet. In May, Thomson Airways began direct weekly flights to the island of Djerba from London Gatwick, with return flights starting from £209 per person. During the same month, Thomas Cook started their weekly flights to Djerba from both Manchester and London Gatwick, with return flights from Manchester to Djerba starting from £195 return. The island of Djerba, with its long sandy beaches, old medina and pretty whitewashed houses, has long been a favourite amongst French and German visitors and with the new routes, it’s sure to become a hotspot for UK travellers too. “We are delighted to see Tunisia’s tour operator and hotel partners continuing to support and invest in our country,” says Anissa Ramoundi, the UK & Ireland Director for The Tunisian National Tourist Office.
“The Jasmine Revolution is the most important event in Tunisia’s recent history, allowing Tunisians the freedom to think and speak publicly without fear, for the first time. We are proud of the progress our country has made and look forward to welcoming British visitors this summer to experience the warmth and optimism of the new Tunisia. We hope that these new flights and hotels will encourage UK travellers to choose Tunisia for their next holiday.”
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Tunisia Topics
In Tunis, the Mövenpick Gammarth enjoyed a quiet opening this winter, so is now all set to welcome guests this summer. The five star hotel boasts a sumptuous spa and unrivalled views of the stunning village of Sidi Bou Said. The Mövenpick is a welcome addition to Tunisia’s luxury hotel offering, giving visitors the chance to experience the vibrancy of Tunis whilst offering an exclusive beach side escape. Rooms with a courtyard view start from £110 per night. For further information go to hotels.com.
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Summer 2011 also sees the launch of a new First Choice Holiday Village in Hammamet. The allinclusive resort is perfect for families, with kids clubs available for children from 0 to 15 years and plenty of activities to keep all the family happy. Seven night holidays to the Holiday Village Manar start from £445 per person.
Tunisia Topics One step nearer for Desertec concept in Tunisia The long-awaited plan to produce renewable energy in North Africa to power the continent and export excess capacity to Europe is still advancing and is one step nearer, the companies involved say.
"Recent events in Japan and North Africa have shown that strong ties between Europe and North Africa are more necessary than ever in order to achieve security and stability," the industry initiative's Chief Executive Officer Paul van Son said in a statement.
This advance comes despite the recent unrest in the region, they add.
"A close joint venture with the Tunisian government will play a decisive role towards the implementation of the Desertec vision."
Representatives of the Desertec project, an industrial initiative that plans to build both giant solar and wind power plants in North Africa, met with officials from the interim Tunisian government last month. They "agreed on further steps to implement the Desertec vision in Tunisia," the industry initiative said in a statement and Desertec announced it would open an office in Tunisia.
Companies from Germany have dominated Desertec, a multi-billion-dollar project, which hopes to supply North Africa and 15 percent of Europe's power by 2050 with a solar-powerdominated network of renewable energy sources. The plants in Africa would be linked to Europe via an underwater high-voltage direct current grid that requires billions of dollars in investments.
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Tunisia Topics
The initiative's founding members include technology giant Siemens, Deutsche Bank, insurer Munich Re as well as utilities Eon and RWE. Other corporate partners include First Solar and several smaller firms from Europe and North Africa. European energy experts have long advocated making the sunny African deserts Europe's power bank in order to reduce the continent's dependence on oil and gas imports from Russia and the Middle East. They say a welcome sideeffect of the project is that it helps the host countries to technology and clean power.
While investors have always been deterred by the high up-front investment required, the companies involved in Desertec bank on costsharing and government aid. The German government has already promised to support Desertec and created a task force to monitor the project. Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle has said he would try to make Desertec a European initiative. "We are going to actively involve the main European political and industry players in order to expedite the joint development of an economical and long lasting energy generation in the desert regions," van Son said.
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Tunisia Topics An Exhibition For a Demanding and Competitive Market
For the first time in Tunisia, there will be an international Exhibition totally dedicated to industrial partnership and innovations «TunisMedindustrie 2011» Tunis-Medindustry 2011 will be organised to cover such subjects as subcontracting, cooperation, outsourcing, design of new products, plus research and development. During the 3 days, from the 15th to 17th June 2011, more than 200 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors will meet in a space of 5,000 m² in the Exhibition Park of El Kram, Tunis where technical workshops and conferences will be animated by experts in products and services related to the industrial sector. In order to assist exhibitors and visitors in their investigations and investors to set up business in Tunisia, «Tunis-Medindustrie 2011» will take place simultaneously with «Tunis Investment Forum » for investment.
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It will be the African and Mediterranean platform of reference and exchange between contractors and subcontractors in order to favour meetings among potential partners. The first edition of this exhibition will be organised under the slogan «Progressing Together», it is the unique appointment to present flagship and innovative technologies, product and services solutions as well as workshops and forums. "Tunis-Medindustrie" will be at the same time a mirror and a source for industrial innovation as well as a source of information about the technologies as well as the bearer of industrial and economic develpoments.
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Tunisia Topics Obama speech resounds in Tunisia Many officials and citizens of North Africa followed with great interest US President Barack Obama's recent speech outlining American policy in the Middle East and North Africa. "The people of the Middle East and North Africa have taken their future into their own hands," Obama said during his May 19th address. "That story of selfdetermination began six months ago in Tunisia." "America values the dignity of the street vendor in Tunisia more than the raw power of the dictator," Obama added. The US leader also pledged economic assistance to "stabilise and modernise the economies of Tunisia and Egypt". The Tunisian foreign ministry praised the "clear stand" of the US president, who said that "Tunisia was at the vanguard of this democratic wave".
The Tunisian interim government hailed "the will of Washington to effectively contribute to mobilising political, economic and financial support for the benefit of Tunisia in the stage to come, whether at the G8 summit, at the level of international financial institutions or through boosting bilateral economic relations and trade exchanges". This is seen by many as a positive step for the Tunisian political and economic community, and will be welcomed with great satisfaction.
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LIFESTYLE
Monastir is a city on the central shore of eastern Tunisia, in the Sahel area.
It lies at the tip of a small peninsula protruding into the Mediterranean Sea between the Gulf of Hammamet and the Bay of Monastir. Situated 20 km south of Sousse and 170km south of the capital Tunis, Monastir is the capital of the governorate of the same name. 18
Places: Monastir Traditionally a fishing port, Monastir is now a major tourist resort, with the Habib Bourguiba international airport just a few kilometres out of town towards the adjacent resort area of Skanes. With flights from most European countries, it is now operated by Tepe Akfen Ventures Airport Holding (TAV), who have recently completed another brand new major international airport, just 60 km away at Enfidha. As well as being a popular beach resort, it is also a port and has a healthy centre of industry, producing textiles (especially wool), and the manufacture of salt, soap and olive oil. Monastir was founded on the former Phoenician and Roman settlements of Ruspina or Ruspinum, the ruins of which can be found just to the west of the new city. The "monastery" (from the Latin monasterium) after which the town was named, was built by an Islamic religious order in 797 to defend the town from roaming nomadic tribes and Byzantine warships. The fortress or “ribat� and imposing tower are perhaps the finest of its kind preserved in North Africa. The Ribat has been rebuilt over the years, and used as the setting for several movies like Monty Python's Life of Brian, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jesus of Nazareth.
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Places : Monastir The modern Monastir may be to the fore in places, but underneath this historic city retains its ancient air of having been Tunisia's holiest place, and an important strategic stronghold that was even once used as a base by Julius Caesar.
In 1956, with Tunisian independence, President Bourguiba, a native of Monastir, launched a grand modernisation program for the area.
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LIFESTYLE
In a city of several old mosques, a new modern mosque was completed in 1968 and dedicated to Tunisia’s first president, Habib Bourguiba, as was the afore-mentioned airport. Benefiting from Bourguiba’s continuing patronage, Monastir enjoyed considerable development, including a modern marina and infrastructure. In 2000 Bourguiba was buried at Monastir in his family mausoleum.
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Monastir captures that blend of the traditional and modern that characterises much of Tunisia. The marina nestled in the shade of the 9th century walls provides an enjoyable promenade, as does the long seaside avenue looking out over the blue Mediterranean ocean.
Monastir
Just a few kilometres from Monastir lies the extravagant stretch of resort hotels that have been built along the coast in the area known as Skanes. These magnificent buildings are set in acres of lush gardens, most of them encompassing their own patch of wellmaintained fine sandy Mediterranean beach.
Shopping, like everywhere else in Tunisia can be a great deal of fun haggling for bargains in the local medina, but both Monastir and Skanes are also well equipped with more modern shops catering to tourist needs.
The Skanes hotels are well connected to Monastir and the nearby city of Sousse, by a tourist road train, a provinsional railway line and a multitude of cheap taxis and minibuses. Parasols line the beaches in between watersports equipment stands and local vendors parading with a variety of wares, particularly pottery.
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Ulysses and the sirens.
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Monastir
In Skanes, most dining is confined to the hotel restaurants geared towards holidaymakers, but those wanting a change can venture to nearby Monastir, particularly around the marina, where restaurants, cafes, pizza parlours and snack bars abound. Most of these establishments are aimed at European tastes, but those wanting to try genuine local fare can head for the back streets where spicy dishes are served up with unleavened bread at rock bottom prices. For activities, there is little need to move off the beach to have an action-packed holiday in Skanes, with a wide variety of watersports on offer from jet skiing to paragliding.
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Those needing a break from the sun, however, will find plenty of interest in exploring the Ribat, or interesting museums containing a collection of ancient Islamic fabrics, pottery and other artefacts. Also worth a visit is the mausoleum of Habib Bourgiba, the first president of Tunisia, with its magnificent gilded dome. Many visitors enjoy a short cruise from the marina or a camel safari into the local countryside. Golfers are also well catered for with a choice between the renowned Palm Links and Flamingo 18-hole courses.
Healthy Living W h y fi s h i s s o g o o d fo r u s . . . Try a tasty Salmon dish this summer... It’s good for you!
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The Story of Salmon The story of salmon. It’s nutritional value, health benefits, and the ongoing argument of “farmed vs wild”. There are so many wonderful things about salmon that it’s hard to know where to start. It’s a fish which even people who “aren’t too keen on fish” can enjoy. It’s firm enough to grill or even barbecue, can be cooked in many different ways, and doesn’t dry out as easily as many other fish. It can come fresh, frozen, smoked, or even canned.
Wild salmon can be eaten without fear of excess contaminants or mercury, and it has a very high nutrient profile, including the highlyprized Omega-3 fatty acids.
So, what’s not to like?
Salmon Nutrition Salmon is a highly nutritious food. Of course, it is high in protein, and the “good fats”. But did you know that a 4 oz serving of wild salmon provides a full day’s requirement of Vitamin D? It is one of the few foods that can make that claim! That same piece of fish contains over half of the necessary B12, niacin, and selenium, and is an excellent source of B6 and magnesium. Canned salmon also contains large amounts of calcium (due to the bones of the fish).
Health Benefits of Salmon People who eat fish seem to be protected from a host of conditions. Some of this is probably due to the omega-3 fats, but there may be other benefits to fish apart from this. The science isn’t clear yet as to all the reasons why eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as salmon) seems to be so good.
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The story of salmon Omega-3 fats seem to primarily work through reducing inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is turning out to be at the base of many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancers, and arthritis. Omega-3’s also help prevent the blood clots which cause many strokes. An exciting, fairly recent development is the realization that omega-3 fats have potential to help slow cognitive problems such as Alzheimer’s Disease and agerelated cognitive decline. A lso, people who have sufficient levels of omega-3’s seem to have less depression as well as less aggression.
Farmed vs Wild Salmon There is somewhat of a controversy about eating wild salmon as opposed to farmed salmon. The issues fall into three main categories:
Contamination: Most of the salmon available for human consumption today is farmed, but several independent studies have found concentrations of PCBs and other contaminants at levels of up to 10 times higher in farmed salmon vs wild salmon.
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The story of salmon In Europe, there have even been situations where farmed fished tested at high levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. These contaminants seem to be getting to the fish through the feed, which become concentrated in the oil of the salmon. In the US, farmed salmon is regulated, but strangely, much higher levels of these contaminants are allowed than with wild salmon, although many of these regulations have not been updated since 1984, when people in the US were eating much less salmon and other fish. Omega-3’s: Farmed fish is fattier. Much as farm animals are “fattened up�, the same is true of salmon. This means that there are higher levels of omega-3 fats. However, because of the contaminants, it is often recommended that farmed salmon be cooked in ways that reduce the fat content. New feeds are being developed with less fish meal in them and more plant foods. In general, the more plant-based ingredients, the lower the level of omega-3 fats in the salmon. (Note that in the ocean, salmon are carnivores: they eat no plants at all.) Even today, the percentage of omega-3 fats is lower in farmed salmon, apparently because of the soybean, wheat, etc, in the meal fed to them.
Environmental Issues: Farmed fish can produce a bunch of problems with regards to the environment, particularly over the sites chosen and the effects on the local communities.
There is more good news.... Both wild and farmed salmon have low levels of mercury. Also, it appears that salmon is one of the few species not being over-fished, and in most areas is in good shape. Note: Most canned salmon is wild.
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Tunisian Cooking - Desserts In Tunisia, desserts are always enjoyed after a large meal. Not to mention that there is always a good selection of items from which to choose. Whether it is delicious Tunisian pastries, fresh fruits, or spiced coffees, desserts are something every Tunisian with a sweet tooth can enjoy! Try this typical recipe for Tunisian crispy almond and sesame pastries
Ingredients
Step by step
2/3 of a cup of sugar 1 1/4 cups of water 1 tablespoon of lemon juice orange-flower water 1 1/2 cups of blanched almonds, lightly toasted and ground 1 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest 1 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon Approx. 4 oz filo pastry olive oil, for brushing lightly toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling
Place the water and 1/2 a cup of the sugar in a saucepan and heat gently, stirring until dissolved, thenadd the lemon juice and boil until it becomes a nice syrupy mixture. Remove from the heat and add the orangeflower water then leave to cool. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, stir together the ground almonds, orange zest, cinnamon and the
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Crispy Almond and Sesame Pastries remaining sugar, then knead together the ingredients. Brush one sheet of filo with olive oil, keep the other sheets covered with a damp cloth. Cut the oiled sheet into 3 strps length-wise. Place a small spoonful of filling at the bottom of eachstrip. Fold the sides over the filling then roll the pastry up along the length. Brush inside the end of the pastry with oil and seal itto the roll. Brush with oil and put on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling.
When all the preparation of the rolls are complete, bake the pastries in the hot oven for 15-20minutes until crisp and golden. When cooked, lower the pastries a few at a time into the hot syrup, leave for about 3 minutes so that the syrup penetrates the pastries. Then remove to a plate and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Leave until cold before serving
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BOOKS Tunisia Nelles Map First published in May 2007, this new revision is available on 1st August 2011 New edition. 1 : 750,000 scale. Detailed, relief shading clearly shows spot heights and mountain ranges giving a real sense of the terrain with distances provided for the majority of routes. Numerous points of interest are highlighted such as national parks, ancient sites and oasis.
Tunisia Nelles Map (Folded Map)
Nelles Verlag (Author)
X
RRP:
ÂŁ7.95
Price:
ÂŁ7.16
*Prices correct at time of going to press
With inset maps covering: Greater Tunis, Ile de Jerba and City Plans for: Tunis, Hammamet, Port el Kantaoui, Sousse, Skaneis/Monastir, Monastir, Houmt Souk.
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SPORT North African clubs handed spectator bans and heavy fines Tunisia's Club Africain and Egyptian giants Al Ahly have both been handed stiff fines and ordered to play games behind closed doors as a result of fan violence last month. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee, meeting in Cairo, ordered Al Ahly to play their opening African Champions League group stage game in an empty stadium after a player was hit by a flare in their last cup tie. Club Africain, eliminated in the last round, will have to play their next two home matches in continental competition without any spectators as punishment for fans attempting to attack the referee. Al Ahly's third round second leg tie with Zambian side Zesco United, which the Egyptians won 1-0, had to be halted for five minutes with former Zambia international Billy Mwanza taken to hospital after the flare incident. The club were also fined $40,000.
Club Africain's tie with Al Hilal of Sudan in Tunis last Saturday had to be abandoned four minutes from the end when supporters invaded the pitch and targeted the referee. The club were also fined $80,000. Algeria's JS Kabylie were fined $50,000 and threatened with a one-year ban if throwing of missiles by their supporters in this year's African Confederation Cup continued. Midfielder Abderahmane Lemssassi of Morocco's Wydad Casablanca was handed a six match ban for spitting at the referee during his team's loss in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghri and coach Fakherdine Rajhi received four match bans for threatening behaviour and abusive language. Violence at football matches across North Africa has increased significantly since the political unrest across the region, with Tunisian authorities recently demanding all Ligue 1 encounters be played behind closed doors. Games in Algeria's top flight have also been closed to spectators while rioting at leagues in Egypt and Morocco has led to threats the season could be prematurely halted if the violence continues.
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SPORT Esperance of Tunisia and Al Ahly of Egypt renew bitter Champions League feud
Long-standing bitter rivals Al Ahly of Egypt and Esperance of Tunisia were placed in the same group when the African Champions League draw was made in Cairo recently. Mouloudia Alger of Algeria and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco or Simba of Tanzania are the other teams who will complete Group B. Group A comprises of Enyimba of Nigeria, Al Hilal of Sudan, Raja Casablanca of Morocco and Coton Sport Garoua of Cameroon. The mini-league winners and runners-up will advance to two-leg semifinal knock-out ties. The Champions League final is also staged on a home-and-away basis with the winners also receiving a place at the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan.
A surprising absentee from the draw was defending champions TP Mazembe of the DR Congo, who were disqualified just 24 hours beforehand for fielding an ineligible player in the qualifying rounds. With 2010 Club World Cup runners-up Mazembe missing, the race to become African champions is wide open with Ahly and Esperance favourites to fill the top two places in what however appears to be the tougher of the groups. Few of the groupl fixtures will capture the imagination more than those between Ahly and Esperance, whose rivalry spans decades with both clubs enjoying spells of superiority over the other. They clashed in the semi-finals last year with Esperance triumphing on the away-goal rule after winning 1-0 at home thanks to a goal that should not have stood as television replays showed Michael Eneramo scoring with his hand.
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TUNISIA is a beautiful country with many places of interest well worth a visit. The information on these pages is a quick guide to just some of those, but by no means a comprehensive list of all that Tunisia has to offer. TUNISIA is situated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, bordered by Algeria in the west and Libya in the southeast. An abrupt southern turn of its shoreline gives Tunisia two faces on the Mediterranean with a coastline 1,148 kilometres in length. Despite its relatively small size, Tunisia has great geographical and climatic diversity. An extension of the Atlas Mountains, traverses Tunisia in the north to the Cape Bon peninsula. The Sahil is along Tunisia's eastern Mediterranean coast famous for its olive groves and beaches. Inland from the Sahil are the Steppes. Much of the southern region is semi-arid and desert leading into the Sahara.
Tunis
Tunisia 38
Tourist Guide TUNIS is the capital of Tunisia, and is divided into the old city, known as the medina, and the new city (ville nouvelle in French). Although located on the Mediterranean coast, it is spared much of the tourist beaches and resorts, which lay to the north and south. With a population of over 1,500,000, the city still has the feel of being small and compact.The must-see attractions of the capital are The Souq, which is known as one of the most authentic and hassle-free in all of Northern Africa.
Tunis
Bardo Museum, occupying the 13th century palace of the Ottoman-era ruler and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics.
Zitouna Mosque
Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul. Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from the colonial era, in the neoRomanesque style. Zitouna Mosque. The largest mosque in Tunisia and an important landmark, dating from the 8th century, although the distinctive square minaret is a later 19th century addition.
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Tourist Guide The ruins of CARTHAGE, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a former city of the Pheonician and Punic periods dating from the 6th Century BC, and are situated 12 km north of Tunis. This was the base of a powerful empire spanning the entire south Mediterranean and home to a population of the order of half a million people. Its most famous general was Hannibal who famously crossed the Alps to battle the Romans. In 146BC the city finally fell to Rome and its destruction ordered by the Senate. The site was later redeveloped by the Romans and Carthage became the capital of the province of Africa.
Carthage
SFAX is the country’s second city by virtue of it’s population and it’s prowess as a large industrial centre. Situated on the east coast of Tunisia, 270 km south of Tunis, the city was founded in AD 849 and is a thriving Mediterranean port sited on the Gulf of Gabes. From here, you can also take the ferry to Kerkennah Island where you can wander around in a land, virtually unspoilt by modern standards.
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Tourist Guide SOUSSE is a popular destination, with tourists from Britain, Germany and many East European counties visiting the area. It is one of Tunisia’s oldest cities, and boasts an authentic medina, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MONASTIR is a city situated 165km southeast of Tunis and 24 km east of Sousse, on the eastern Mediterranean coast. It is an ancient city dating from Phonecian times, and it is believed it takes it’s name from the French "monastère" (monastery). It is the site of a busy international airport which caters mainly for tourist flights from Europe. Sights to see are theimposing Ribat, which is a fortified monastery located next to the sea with great views from its walls and towers. It has been used in several films as a stand in for Jerusalem, most notably "Monty Python's Life of Brian".
Sousse
Monastir
Situated on the Mediterranean coast it has good beaches and many first class hotels. Most of Sousse's sights are located within the medina, the labyrinth which is at the heart of the city. The Great Mosque is a tranquil place despite its location in the middle of the city. Built in 850 AD, it is simple and austere in the Aghlabite style. The Ribat, whilst not as impressive or extensive as the one in Monastir, is a fortified holy site well worth visit. It served as home to a branch of Islamic warriors very similar in nature to the Hospitaller Knights that lived in Rhodes. Climbing to the top of the watch tower affords you fantastic views over the Medina.
Also, there is the impressive Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba in the centre of a large cemetery in Monastir, which is the resting place and home of the founding president of modern Tunisia.
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Tourist Guide HAMMAMET is a resort town located in the south east of the northern peninsula of Cap Bon in the Governorate of Nabeul, on the northern edge of the Gulf of Hammamet.It lies just 65km south of Tunis and 85km north of Sousse and was one of the first tourist destinations in Tunisia. Due to its fine beaches it has become a popular destination for European visitors particularly for it’s swimming and water sports, with a population that regularly quadruples due to tourists in the summer months. The area is particularly known for its jasmine, and this is how the more recent, adjacent tourist resort of Yasmine Hammamet came by its name.
Hammamet
BIZERTE is located on the north coast of Tunisia, 65 km north of Tunis and 15 km from Cap Blanc (the northern-most point in Africa). Noted for its beautiful forests, beaches and scenery, it is known as the oldest and most European city in Tunisia. Originally founded around 1000 BC by Phoenicians from Tyre, it is was also the last town under French control after the rest of the country won its independence.
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Tourist Guide Sidi Bou Said PORT EL KANTAOUI is a purpose built tourist and residential area began in 1979. It is situated 8km north of Sousse and 65km south of Hammamet, centered around a marina and traditional-style buildings with narrow streets. There is the waterfront with walkway, jetty and yacht pier, the open “square� in front of the "gate", followed by another pedestrian area containing a musical fountain, shops and restaurants. To the north, there is a golf course as well as a number of hotels. To the south, there is an amusement park and more hotels.
Port El Kantaoui SIDI BOU SAID is a beautiful and typical Tunisian village just 20km north of the capital Tunis. The best time to visit is autumn or spring, out of the tourist season, when you can still walk the narrow streets, around white and blue traditional houses, enjoying the views. The village is quite small, and perched on a hill, you can enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean and Bay of Tunis. EL KEF is a small city in northwest Tunisia, built onto the southern face of the Jebel Dyr Mountain, which is part of the Tebersouk Mountains, at the east end of the High Atlas Mountains. It is a relaxed town, offering an authentic taste of Tunisia with some interesting sights to see. The main attraction is the Byzantine Kasbah. Noticeable from almost any part of the city, it rises out of the old medina and used to be a site of a series of fortresses dating back to the 5th century BC.
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Tourist Guide KAIROUAN, a Muslim holy city, ranks 4th after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem as a place of pilgrimage. Situated 55km inland from Sousse, it's mosques and cultural history have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s main sights are The Great Mosque, one of the finest Islamic buildings in North Africa, and Bi'r Barouta, which is a Well at the place where the city was founded, and one of the holiest sites in the city for Muslims. The Medina in general is a nice place to wander around, although it may well look familiar as it was used in Raiders of the Lost Ark to double for Cairo.
Kairouan
TOZEUR is a city in south west Tunisia, around 450km from Tunis. With thousands of palm trees, Tozeur is a large oasis from which exported dates are very well known. In ancient times, the oasis was important for the caravan routes through the Sahara, and was an important Roman outpost. From Tozeur there are a selection of camel trips available to explore the edge of the Sahara.
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Tourist Guide El Jem
EL JEM is a small town in the east of Tunisia, 60km south of Sousse, that houses the remains of a UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman amphitheatre. Formerly the Roman town of Thysdrus, one of the most important in N. Africa after Carthage. The Amphitheatre was built in the middle of the 3rd century AD, but fell into disrepair, with its blocks being used for building the surrounding town and also the Great Mosque in Kairouan. Declared a World Heritage site in 1979, it was more recently used for filming scenes from the Oscar winning film Gladiator. DOUZ is a small town in south-central Tunisia, often known as the "Gateway to the Sahara". The town has grown up around a large palm oasis that is a large producer of "diglat noor" dates.
Regions of Tunisia
Tunisia is made up of 24 Governates (administrative regions) (1) Ariana (Aryana), (2) Beja (Baja), (3) Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), (4) Bizerte (Banzart), (5) Gabes (Gabis), (6) Gafsa (Gafsah), (7) Jendouba (Jandouba), (8) Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), (9) Kasserine (Gasryn), (10) Kebili (Guebilli), (11) El Kef (El Kaf), (12) Mahdia (Al Mahdiya), (13) Mannouba (Mannouba), (14) Medenine (Midnin), (15) Monastir (Munastir), (16) Nabeul (Nabul), (17) Sfax (Safaqis), (18) Sidi BouZid (Sidi BouZid), (19) Siliana (Siliana), (20) Sousse (Soussa), (21) Tataouine (Tatawin), (22) Tozeur (Touzer), (23) Tunis, (24) Zaghouan (Zaghwen)
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Tunisia Directory
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Tunisia Directory
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Tunisia Directory
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Monthly Horoscope ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) This is a great month to invite the friends round you haven't been able to see over the last few hectic weeks, but be careful of being too free with the truth concerning recent rumours. You feel grounded at last and will be able to see with clarity, what is and what is not possible.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Maybe if you would try talking about what is really on your mind then you would feel happier. You have the chance to right a wrong with a loved one that has previously been too delicate an issue for you to be able to tackle. You might find yourself trying to talk friends into doing something crazy just to fulfil your need for fun.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't allow worries to take over your life, as there is nothing you cannot overcome. An old debt must be cleared up soon, or you will tarnish your reputation with someone who is important to you. It is a time to listen to your dreams and follow your instincts and not the advice of others.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try taking a step back and stop reading so deeply into what those around you are saying. This is the month that could see you mending or breaking a relationship, which has come to mean a lot in your life. A time to think before you speak or you may spend years and not just weeks regretting your words and actions.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You are going to have to be prepared to do other people's work over the course of this month, when many of lifes distractions could be sidetracked by personal problems. There is so much going on at the moment that thismay be a good time to take stock of the recent dramas in your life.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Familly members may prove more than a little demanding but be careful, as its going to be easy for you to come across as uncaring, so think before you speak. You have fallen for an attractive new person that has come into your life. Don't put them on a pedestal, or you will not be able to get to know them, as you would like.
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Monthly Horoscope LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You are made to feel the focus of attention this month regarding a matter you’ve been trying very hard to shy away from. Take your time when trying to complete any work-related matters. There is much that can be achieved with patience, and any mistakes might not be as reversible, as you think.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) It’s time to take stock. Don't get into arguments with family members over money at this time, or things could get out of hand. You would be far better to talk to them when you are not feeling so confrontational. New ways to get on with difficult close ones can be found if you meet them halfway.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You will have all of the attention you want plus more over the coming weeks, as some good news is forecast. All of the events in your life this month are leading to a point when you’ll find it impossible not to tell others what you think about them. Try not to be too hard on a loved one who has let you down.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Work that links to the home proves to be demanding and costly but is certain to be very rewarding, so stick with it. Make sure that what you are doing is what you want and not jut what you think looks good or is amusing to others. It is one thing exaggerating the truth but you must stop before you get yourself into trouble.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Your home is going to need all your attention before things get blown out of proportion and you lose the support of a loved one altogether. A foreign link comes in handy in a business matter that you will be getting involved in shortly. Legal dealings which have niggling at you should slowly but surely start to come to an end.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You should find this month to be a most enjoyable time, as friends, both old and new, should shower you with the attention and fun you’ve been longing for. You don’t seem to be able to let go of a past issue and it’s beginning to affect your health. Deal with it and put it behind you. There is a life out there waiting to be lived.
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If it’s your birthday this month . . . June 1st: Marilyn Monroe (1926) Morgan Freeman (1937) Alanis Morisette (1974) Ron Wood (1947) 2nd: Johnny Weissmuller (1904) Charlie Watts (1942) Marvin Hamlisch (1944) Stacy Keach (1941) 3rd: Tony Curtis (1925) Suzi Quatro (1950) 4th: Michelle Phillips (1944) Angelina Jolie (1975)
7th: Jessica Tandy (1909) Prince (1960) James Ivory (1928) Anna Kournikova (1981) Liam Neeson (1952) Tom Jones (1940) Dean Martin (1917) (1965) 8th: Joan Rivers (1933) Kim Clijsters (1983) 9th: Cole Porter (1891) George Stephenson (1781) Les Paul (1915) Michael J. Fox (1961) Johnny Depp (1963) Natalie Portman (1981)
10th: Judy Garland (1922) Elizabeth Hurley (1965) 11th: Jacques Cousteau (1910) Richard Strauss (1864) Gene Wilder (1935) 12th: Anne Frank (1929) George Bush (1925)
5th: Pancho Villa (1878) Pat Garrett (1850) John Maynard Keynes (1883) Kenny G (1956) 6th: Dalai Lama (1935) Bjorn Borg (1956)
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Who do you share yours with . . . 13th: Tim Allen (1953) Malcolm McDowell (1943) 14th: Donald Trump (1946) Steffi Graf (1969) Burl Ives (1909) Boy George (1961) 15th: Courteney Cox (1964) Ice Cube (1969) Helen Hunt (1963) James Belushi (1954)
21st: Prince William (1982) Jean-Paul Sartre (1905) Nicole Kidman (1967) Ray Davies (1944)
22nd: Meryl Streep (1949) Billy Wilder (1906) Cyndi Lauper (1953) Kris Kristofferson (1936) 23rd: Bob Fosse (1927) Edward VIII (1894) 24th: Jack Dempsey (1895) Mick Fleetwood (1942) Jeff Beck (1944) 25th: George Orwell (1903) Sidney Lumet (1924) Carly Simon (1945) George Michael (1963) 26th: Peter Lorre (1904) John Cusack (1966) 27th: Helen Keller (1880) Tobey Maguire (1975) 28th: Henry VIII (1491) Kathy Bates (1948) Mel Brooks (1926) John Dillinger (1902) 29th: Nelson Eddy (1901) Rubens (1577) 30th: Lena Horne (1917) Mike Tyson (1966) Susan Hayward (1918) Ralf Schumacher (1976)
16th: Stan Laurel (1890) Tupac Shakur (1971) 17th: Igor Stravinsky (1882) Barry Manilow (1946) Venus Williams (1980) 18th: Paul McCartney (1942) Isabella Rossellini (1952) Jeanette MacDonald (1907) 19th: Paula Abdul (1962) Kathleen Turner (1954) Wallis Simpson (1896) 20th: Errol Flynn (1909) Chet Atkins (1924) Lionel Richie (1949) Brian Wilson (1942)
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