The Passenger ⋆ Page 2 of 308 ⋆ Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.

May 31, 2025June 2, 2025

Ribat

The Ribat de المنستير is a remarkable example of early Islamic military architecture, built in 796 AD by the Abbasid governor Harthama ibn A’yan during the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb. It stands as the oldest ribat constructed by the Arab conquerors and remains one of the most prominent historical monuments in Monastir, Tunisia. Originally designed as a fortress to protect the coastal region, the structure features a quadrilateral layout that was expanded over centuries, incorporating circular and polygonal towers to enhance its defensive capabilities. The ribat also includes two mosques and small rooms used by warrior monks for prayer and meditation, reflecting its dual military and religious functions.

May 31, 2025June 2, 2025

El Jem

The Amphithéâtre de El Jem, located in modern-day Tunisia, is an extraordinary example of Roman architecture in Africa, built around 238 AD. It stands out as one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, capable of holding about 35,000 spectators. Unlike many amphitheatres built into hillsides, El Jem’s structure is free-standing on flat ground, supported by a sophisticated system of arches and stone blocks without foundations. Its elliptical shape measures roughly 148 by 122 meters, and it features three levels of arcades with Corinthian or composite columns, reflecting a high level of architectural accomplishment for its time. The arena also includes subterranean facilities for animals and gladiators, accessed through trap doors, demonstrating advanced engineering.

May 31, 2025June 2, 2025

Kairouan

القيروان, founded around 670 AD by the Umayyads during Caliph Mu’awiya’s reign, is a historically significant city in Tunisia and the Maghreb. It was the first Muslim city established in this region and quickly became a major center of Arab-Muslim civilization. For five centuries, Kairouan served as the capital and a vibrant hub of culture, education, and religion, reflecting the early development of Islamic architecture and urbanism. Its medina, with over a hundred monuments, narrow winding streets, and traditional souks, remains a living museum of Islamic art and history.

May 30, 2025June 2, 2025

Sidi Bou Saïd

سيدي بوسعيد is a captivating village perched on a steep hill overlooking the gulf of تونس, about 20 kilometers northeast of the capital of Tunisia. Its dramatic ascent offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the ancient city of Carthage below. The village’s distinctive blue and white architecture, introduced in the 1920s by the French painter and musicologist Rodolphe d’Erlanger, creates a striking visual harmony that has made Sidi Bou Saïd a beloved destination for travelers interested in history and culture.

May 30, 2025June 3, 2025

Carthage

Founded around 814 BCE by Phoenician settlers from Tyre, Carthage was a major ancient city located in present-day Tunisia near modern تونس. It grew rapidly into a powerful maritime empire controlling key Mediterranean trade routes. The city was strategically placed on a triangular peninsula with a natural harbour, protected by the Lac du Tunis, which made it a crucial hub for commerce and naval power. Carthage’s influence extended across North Africa, Sicily, and parts of Spain, until its destruction by Roma in 146 BCE after the Punic Wars.

May 29, 2025June 1, 2025

1000 millimes

The Tunisian dinar, introduced in 1960, replaced the Tunisian franc at a rate of 1 dinar to 1,000 francs as part of Tunisia’s assertion of economic independence following the end of French colonial rule. The currency’s name derives from the Roman denarius, reflecting the region’s ancient history. Initially, the dinar was pegged to the US dollar rather than the French franc, marking a shift away from colonial ties. Over the decades, the dinar has experienced fluctuations, including a significant depreciation against major currencies like the dollar and euro since 2008.

May 29, 2025June 2, 2025

Tunis-Goulette-Marsa

The Tunis-Goulette-Marsa (TGM) train is a historic commuter rail line in Tunisia, inaugurated in 1872, making it the first railway in the country. It predates the French protectorate by about a decade and has been known as the TGM since 1905. The line stretches approximately 19 kilometers, connecting the capital city Tunis with the coastal town of La Marsa, passing through La Goulette and other notable suburbs, including Carthage (yes, the famous Carthage!) and Sidi Bou Saïd. This route has played a significant role in shaping the urban expansion and development of the northern suburbs of Tunis, especially along the scenic seafront.

May 29, 2025June 1, 2025

MACAM

The Musée National d’Art Moderne et Contemporain in تونس is a vibrant cultural institution located within the Cité de la Culture complex, dedicated to showcasing Tunisia’s dynamic modern art scene. It serves as a key platform for both local and international artists, reflecting the rich interplay between Tunisia’s historical heritage and contemporary artistic expression. The museum offers visitors a diverse collection of artworks that explore various themes and narratives relevant to modern society, providing a comprehensive insight into the evolution of Tunisian art beyond traditional forms.

May 29, 2025June 1, 2025

Mosaics

The Musée National du Bardo in تونس is housed in a magnificent 19th-century beylical palace, originally built as a royal residence, which combines Andalusian-Moorish, Ottoman, and Italian architectural influences. Established as a museum in 1888, it is one of the most important and oldest museums in the Mediterranean region and the second largest on the African continent after the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. The museum’s setting itself is a historical monument, offering visitors a glimpse into Tunisia’s royal past alongside its rich collections.

May 29, 2025June 2, 2025

Medina

The Medina of تونس is a remarkable historic quarter that dates back to the 7th century and flourished notably between the 12th and 16th centuries under the Almohad and Hafsid dynasties. This period marked Tunis as one of the wealthiest and most important cities in the Islamic world, reflected in the dense concentration of around 700 monuments including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, and fountains. The Medina’s urban fabric beautifully showcases the interaction of architecture, culture, and socio-economic changes over centuries, making it a living museum of Arab-Muslim heritage.