Tunisia Way

Newsflash

Tunis, March 23, 2008 (TunisiaOnline) The 22nd edition of the much celebrated Tamaghza mountain oasis festival , in the governorate of Tozeur, was launched on Saturday by a parade, organized at the town's entrance. The opening of the festival gathered together popular and

Home

About Tunisia

Tourism

Sahara

Kebili

Page 1 of 3

Is a desert town in central Tunisia. It is located at around, south of the Chott el-Jerid. It is the capital of the Kebili Governorate.

History

Kebili or in correct spelling Gibili is one of the oldest Oasis in Tunisia and North Africa.

Kebili holds the earliest hard evidence of human habitation in Tunisia (found near the town) and dates back about 200,000 years. Kebili, as many others Tunisian towns, entered under the control of Roman Empire after the Punic Wars.

Demographics

The Kebili population is diverse compared to other Tunisian governorates. There are three main race/ethnic groups:

Arabs: They came to Kebili in early days of Islamic Conquest. Most came from the Southern Arabian Peninsula (known today as Saudi ArabiaYemen. They still hold the names of their ancestor’s tribes. and
Berbers: They are the native habitants of Tunisia and North Africa. Berbers are considered minorities because they prefer to live in mountains (the most famous site is Matmata).
Blacks: They came to the city when it was a famous slavery trade center.

Language and Religion

Arabic is the dominant language in the region. The everyday Arabic differs from literal Arabic to varying degrees. The most noticeable difference is in the pronunciation of the letter Qäf; it is pronounced Gä. See also Tunisian Arabic. Islam is the dominant religion. Kebili, as many other Tunisians towns, holds a great number of Soofiat Maqams (AKA. Saleheen).

<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>