Tunisia has an ancient civilization completely mixed with modern European
influences. This results in a very liberal Islamic country.
The
majority of the Tunisians are followers of the Islam and they are guided by the
Quran and the actions of the Prophet. They have to pray five times a day and
the exact times are listed in the newspaper. During the holy month of Ramadan
they all must fast from daybreak till sunset and they only work 6 hours a day.
During the Ramadan they are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke. At night,
family and friends come together to celebrate. In general, everything happens
more slowly, even businesses operate on a decreased level.
Family
relations are very important for the Tunisians. An individual is always of
minor importance than the family which includes the nuclear and the extended
family.
Handshakes
are the habitual salutations for individuals of the same sex. When its a
salutation between a men and a woman, its the woman who first extends her
hand. If not, a men has to bow his head in acknowledgement. They usually do not
show any affection in public and have no dates before getting married. Also the
public bath-houses, called Hammams, are separate for both sexes.
The
national language of Tunisia is Arabic. Due to the French influences, French is
a second spoken language, especially in commercial matters. Some businessmen
are now also speaking English and Italian.
The
clothing is different for every region, though much is influenced by
Western-style of clothing. In the villages, traditional dresses are still worn,
especially by elderly people. If youre invited by an Tunisian family, its
important to be well-dressed because its a sign of respect for your host.
The
traditional music of Tunisia is Malouf, which is played by small orchestras,
consisting of violins, drums, sitars and flutes. Malouf is imported from
Andalusia after the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. If you want to hear a
piece of music, you can watch this little movie : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoyogeV-aaY
After we
have done a few countries, we finally reach the sea again! Now we are in
Tunisia with capital Tunis.
Tunisia,
officially the Tunisian Republic, is a country in North Africa, bordering
Algeria, which we visited last week, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. It
belongs to the Maghreb. The Maghreb is the region of Northwest Africa and west
of Egypt. It includes five countries, namely Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya,
and Mauritania. Also the disputed territory of Western Sahara belongs to the
Maghreb.
The
population is ethnically for the greater part Berber. Most of them arent aware
of it anymore and consider themselves Arabs.
Arabic is
the official language, and in the business life some businessmen speak English,
Italian or German. Still French is usually the language of commerce. It is less
apt to be understood in the far south. English and German are also spoken in
major cities.
Religion
The
Constitution of Tunisia prescribes that its state religion is Islam and that
only a Muslim can be president. There is also a minority of Christians (1% of
the population) and Jews (less than 1% of the population).
Climate and environment
Tunisia has
a typical Mediterranean climate, which means that the have hot, dry summers and
mild, occasionally rainy winters. The south and centre of the country have an almost Saharan climate, meaning summer
temperatures can climb extremely high.
In Tunisia
we could choose from beautiful beaches, green forests, impressive mountains,
fertile plains and arid desert. It was surprisingly and astonishing
Economy
Tunisia's
economy is based on sound market-driven economic, other words, around
agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing and exports to EU.
Conclusion
Tunisia is
a country where you can experience many adventures, but also for those who like
to go a beach Tunisia is a great option.
There is something for everyone!
Tunisiaâs politics: Are the wounds healed yet after Arab Spring?
Tunisias politics: Are the wounds healed yet after
Arab Spring?
On my way to Tunisia, Im following the coastline
which leads me directly to Tunis. To find out more about the countrys
politics, theres no better place than the capital.
On political base, Tunisia was a long time on the media due to the Arab Spring,
which began around the 17th of December 2010[1].
This series of protest against Tunisian leadership and constitution, sometimes
characterized by violence, lasted for weeks.
The outcome of the protests led to resignation of
ministry posts, release of political prisoners, dissolution of the political
police and the political party Rassemblement
Constitutionel Démocratique (RCD), new elections held on 23 October 2011
and last but not least the complete overthrow of then President Zine El Abidine
Ben Ali[2],
who was almost twenty-five years into power.
Slight measurements on the persistent lack of freedom of speech and poor living
conditions were just a drop in the ocean and consequently were the death blow
for Ben Ali.
Walking down the streets in Tunis, peace seems to be
restored. I have an appointment with Mustapha Ben Jaafar[3],
the President of the Chamber of Deputies. Apparently, hes the man I need for a
talk about Tunisias politics.
Tunisias structure is organized under a constitution with
the President as the head of state with at his side the Prime Minister as the
head of government and a legislature acting bicameral. This framework is
likewise as a blend of the political system of France and Belgium.
Before Arab Spring there were eight political parties
legalized. Now they are with fifteen. RCD, Constitutional Democratic Rally was
until Arab Spring the most powerful and governing party. Up to the present, the
socialistic party is still popular but was completely dissolved.
Moncef Marzouki[4],
current President of Tunisia is member of the liberal inclined (centre-left)
CPR, Congress for the Republic.
At this moment, the ruling party in the Constituent Assembly of Tunisia (89 of
the 217 assembly seats;1,500,649 votes[5])
is the Islamic party Ennahda Mouvement.
Checking both sides of the story is an unwritten law
in journalism. Therefore, I have spoken with the winners but not with Zine El
Abidine Ben Ali. Its a pity because he fled to Arabia and thats a serious
deviation on my route. Besides, I have to hurry to catch my plane to la bella Italia.
