Tunisia, December 2021

Tunis

Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia. The greater urban area around Tunis, known as Grand Tunis, has a population of 2,700,000 people. The city is situated in the north-east of the country on the Mediterranean Gulf of Tunis.

Wednesday, 1st December 2021

Doorway into the Auberge El Medina hostel, where Tony stayed, located in the old Medina of Tunis. The decorative double doorway is painted yellow with simple geometric patterns made-up of metal studs. This style of doorway is common on old buildings in Tunisia. The pattern on each door is unique.
Doorway into the Auberge El Medina hostel, where Tony stayed, located in the old Medina of Tunis. The decorative double doorway is painted yellow with simple geometric patterns made-up of metal studs. This style of doorway is common on old buildings in Tunisia. The pattern on each door is unique.
Reception inside Auberge El Medina, which is the hostel where Tony stayed.
Reception inside Auberge El Medina, which is the hostel where Tony stayed.
The lounge inside Auberge El Medina. The walls are decorated with colourful geometric tiles.
The lounge inside Auberge El Medina. The walls are decorated with colourful geometric tiles.
Tony showing us where he was staying in Tunis. He looks very happy.
Tony showing us where he was staying in Tunis. He looks very happy.
View across Kasbah Square (Place de la Kasbah) with the National Monument of the Kasbah in front and the Town Hall behind. The National Monument of the Kasbah was designed by Tunisian sculptor Abdelfattah Boussetta in 1989. It is made up of seven tall narrow marble clad columns, which curve inwards from ground level, meeting at the top. A flag pole is attached to the top, which is 22 metres in height.
View across Kasbah Square (Place de la Kasbah) with the National Monument of the Kasbah in front and the Town Hall behind. The National Monument of the Kasbah was designed by Tunisian sculptor Abdelfattah Boussetta in 1989. It is made up of seven tall narrow marble clad columns, which curve inwards from ground level, meeting at the top. A flag pole is attached to the top, which is 22 metres in height.
Buildings on the north side of Kasbah Square. These grand looking buildings are part of a school. Sadiki College was the first modern high school in Tunisia established in 1875. Former pupils include Tunisia's first president Habib Bourguiba.
Buildings on the north side of Kasbah Square. These grand looking buildings are part of a school. Sadiki College was the first modern high school in Tunisia established in 1875. Former pupils include Tunisia’s first president Habib Bourguiba.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Tony-in-Place-de-La-Kasbah-Kasbah-Square.-900x407.jpg Tony in Kasbah Square. Immediately behind are shrubs and palm trees growing in beds around the east end of the square. Beyond, the minaret of the Kasbah Mosque can be seen. This mosque was built after 1230 by the architect Ali ibn Mohamed ibn Kacem following the orders of the Hafsid dynasty's founder, Abu Zakariya Yahya. The minaret was completed in 1233.
Tony in Kasbah Square. Immediately behind are shrubs and palm trees growing in beds around the east end of the square. Beyond, the minaret of the Kasbah Mosque can be seen. This mosque was built after 1230 by the architect Ali ibn Mohamed ibn Kacem following the orders of the Hafsid dynasty’s founder, Abu Zakariya Yahya. The minaret was completed in 1233.
Close-up of Tony in Kasbah Square with another view of the minaret of the Kasbah Mosque behind.
Close-up of Tony in Kasbah Square with another view of the minaret of the Kasbah Mosque behind.
Tony stood in front of an antique ornate door in the Medina. The tall yellow double doors are covered with geometric decoration made-up of black studs or nails. As is common with these old doors, the right door has another smaller door within it. The small door is roughly the same height as Tony whilst the surrounding big doors are about twice as high.
Tony stood in front of an antique ornate door in the Medina. The tall yellow double doors are covered with geometric decoration made-up of black studs or nails. As is common with these old doors, the right door has another smaller door within it. The small door is roughly the same height as Tony whilst the surrounding big doors are about twice as high.
Tony sat on steps outside the Al-Zaytuna Mosque in the Medina. This famous and historic mosque is surrounded by local markets. The mosque is the oldest in Tunis and covers an area of 5,000 square metres (1.2 acres) with nine entrances. It is believed to date from the early 8th century AD.
Tony sat on steps outside the Al-Zaytuna Mosque in the Medina. This famous and historic mosque is surrounded by local markets. The mosque is the oldest in Tunis and covers an area of 5,000 square metres (1.2 acres) with nine entrances. It is believed to date from the early 8th century AD.
Again Tony sat on the stone steps outside the Al-Zaytuna Mosque. A large arched wooden doorway is at the top.
Again Tony sat on the stone steps outside the Al-Zaytuna Mosque. A large arched wooden doorway is at the top.
Archway over a narrow street in the Medina. In front are plain white-painted buildings with large cobble stones underfoot.
Archway over a narrow street in the Medina. In front are plain white-painted buildings with large cobble stones underfoot.

Friday, 10th December 2021

Porte de France (also known as Bab el Bhar) in Victory Square. This stone gate marks the separation between the Medina of Tunis and the modern city. The gate has a central archway and is topped by a crenellated parapet. Today the gate stands alone, but the sides would originally have been filled by adjoining buildings. The current gate dates from the 19th century, but a gate has stood here for hundreds of years.
Porte de France (also known as Bab el Bhar) in Victory Square. This stone gate marks the separation between the Medina of Tunis and the modern city. The gate has a central archway and is topped by a crenellated parapet. Today the gate stands alone, but the sides would originally have been filled by adjoining buildings. The current gate dates from the 19th century, but a gate has stood here for hundreds of years.
Equestrian statue of Habib Bourguiba located on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis. The statue stands on a high marble plinth. Habib Bourguiba is depicted on horseback wearing a traditional fez hat and with his right hand raised. Habib Bourguiba was a central figure in Tunisia's fight for independence from French colonial rule. He ruled the country from its independence in 1956 until he was removed from power in 1987. The statue dates from 1973. It was reinstalled at this location in 2016 having previously been relocated to the seaside suburb of La Goulette after Habib Bourguiba was deposed in 1987.
Equestrian statue of Habib Bourguiba located on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis. The statue stands on a high marble plinth. Habib Bourguiba is depicted on horseback wearing a traditional fez hat and with his right hand raised. Habib Bourguiba was a central figure in Tunisia’s fight for independence from French colonial rule. He ruled the country from its independence in 1956 until he was removed from power in 1987. The statue dates from 1973. It was reinstalled at this location in 2016 having previously been relocated to the seaside suburb of La Goulette after Habib Bourguiba was deposed in 1987.
Another view of the statue of Habib Bourguiba on horseback with restaurant tables in the foreground. This more modern colonial-era part of Tunis is located immediately east of the Medina, running along the main thoroughfare Habib Bourguiba Avenue towards the old port.
Another view of the statue of Habib Bourguiba on horseback with restaurant tables in the foreground. This more modern colonial-era part of Tunis is located immediately east of the Medina, running along the main thoroughfare Habib Bourguiba Avenue towards the old port.
Former British Consulate located in Victory Square near to the medina. The building is Moorish Revival in style and was built in 1914. It became the British embassy following Tunisia's independence in 1956. The embassy moved to a new location in 2003. The photo shows decorative tiles with geometric and floral patterns above the main entrance.
Former British Consulate located in Victory Square near to the medina. The building is Moorish Revival in style and was built in 1914. It became the British embassy following Tunisia’s independence in 1956. The embassy moved to a new location in 2003. The photo shows decorative tiles with geometric and floral patterns above the main entrance.
A blue plaque attached to the former British Consulate building in Victory Square. The plaque reads 'A Treaty between the Dey, the Bey and the Soldiers of Tunis, and King Charles II enabled Britain to maintain a Consular later Diplomatic presence on this site from 1662 to 2004’.
A blue plaque attached to the former British Consulate building in Victory Square. The plaque reads ‘A Treaty between the Dey, the Bey and the Soldiers of Tunis, and King Charles II enabled Britain to maintain a Consular later Diplomatic presence on this site from 1662 to 2004’.
Tony in front of the Clock Tower, which stands prominently at 38 metres in height, in the middle of a roundabout half way along central thoroughfare Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The present clock tower was erected in 2001 by former president and dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, replacing another clock.
Tony in front of the Clock Tower, which stands prominently at 38 metres in height, in the middle of a roundabout half way along central thoroughfare Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The present clock tower was erected in 2001 by former president and dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, replacing another clock.
Tony alongside a statue of Ibn Khaldun in Independence Square. Ibn Khaldun (27 May 1332 - 17 March 1406) was a 14th century Sociologist, Philosopher and historian. He was born in Tunis and died in Cairo, Egypt. He was widely considered one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Ages.
Tony alongside a statue of Ibn Khaldun in Independence Square. Ibn Khaldun (27 May 1332 – 17 March 1406) was a 14th century Sociologist, Philosopher and historian. He was born in Tunis and died in Cairo, Egypt. He was widely considered one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Ages.
Tony stood outside the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul in Independence Square. This Roman Catholic cathedral was built between 1890 and 1897 and is a mixture of architectural styles including Moorish revival and Gothic revival. The front façade includes a pair of bell towers with a large central arched entrance.
Tony stood outside the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul in Independence Square. This Roman Catholic cathedral was built between 1890 and 1897 and is a mixture of architectural styles including Moorish revival and Gothic revival. The front façade includes a pair of bell towers with a large central arched entrance.

Carthage

Tony by a headless and armless statue at Carthage. The female statue appears to be from the Roman period and is holding a bowl perhaps containing fruit or vegetables. The surrounding remains are from the earlier Punic city. Punic Carthage was founded in the 8th century BC by Phoenician settlers from Tyre in present-day Lebanon. At its height in the fourth century BC, Carthage was one of the largest cities in the world and the centre of the Carthaginian Empire, a major power in the ancient world that dominated the western Mediterranean. The ancient city was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC who later rebuilt it as a Roman city in the mid-1st century BC.
Tony by a headless and armless statue at Carthage. The female statue appears to be from the Roman period and is holding a bowl perhaps containing fruit or vegetables. The surrounding remains are from the earlier Punic city. Punic Carthage was founded in the 8th century BC by Phoenician settlers from Tyre in present-day Lebanon. At its height in the fourth century BC, Carthage was one of the largest cities in the world and the centre of the Carthaginian Empire, a major power in the ancient world that dominated the western Mediterranean. The ancient city was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC who later rebuilt it as a Roman city in the mid-1st century BC.
Tony amongst a row of large column fragments at Carthage. Behind are more headless Roman statues. The remains of Ancient Carthage are today within the modern city of Tunis.
Tony amongst a row of large column fragments at Carthage. Behind are more headless Roman statues. The remains of Ancient Carthage are today within the modern city of Tunis.
Tony feeling another statue. The statue's arms and head are missing. The statue appears to be life-size or slightly larger and depicts a man wearing a toga.
Tony feeling another statue. The statue’s arms and head are missing. The statue appears to be life-size or slightly larger and depicts a man wearing a toga.
Tony walking through the remains of Punic Carthage with his Tunisian friend Med, a lovely, kind guy Tony met on Couchsurfing. The Mediterranean visible in the distance.
Tony walking through the remains of Punic Carthage with his Tunisian friend Med, a lovely, kind guy Tony met on Couchsurfing. The Mediterranean visible in the distance.
Looking down over remains of the Punic city. The ruined stone walls of ancient buildings can be seen.
Looking down over remains of the Punic city. The ruined stone walls of ancient buildings can be seen.
Tony touching the top of a tomb belonging to King Louis IX of France. The King is depicted in a reclined position with a sword laid on top of him. Louis IX was born in 1214 and died at Carthage in 1270 during the Eighth Crusade. His bones were transported back to France for burial but some of his remains are believed to have been buried here on Byrsa Hill.
Tony touching the top of a tomb belonging to King Louis IX of France. The King is depicted in a reclined position with a sword laid on top of him. Louis IX was born in 1214 and died at Carthage in 1270 during the Eighth Crusade. His bones were transported back to France for burial but some of his remains are believed to have been buried here on Byrsa Hill.
Tony touching a statue of King Louis IX of France. He is depicted wearing a crown, with a cross on a chain around his neck and holding a large book, most probably the Bible. The statue is located on Byrsa Hill close to St Louis Cathedral which is named after him. Louis IX is the only French king to be made a saint.
Tony touching a statue of King Louis IX of France. He is depicted wearing a crown, with a cross on a chain around his neck and holding a large book, most probably the Bible. The statue is located on Byrsa Hill close to St Louis Cathedral which is named after him. Louis IX is the only French king to be made a saint.
Tony feeling fragments of statues or other sculptures that have been embedded in a wall to display them. The fragments appear to include legs and the end of a foot with toes.
Tony feeling fragments of statues or other sculptures that have been embedded in a wall to display them. The fragments appear to include legs and the end of a foot with toes.
Tony in front of more sculpture fragments in a white painted wall. They include a male torso and part of a head with a beard.
Tony in front of more sculpture fragments in a white painted wall. They include a male torso and part of a head with a beard.
Tony touching a Roman statue wearing a toga. The statue is mostly complete: one hand and wrist appears to be missing. It is located at the Carthage National Museum on Byrsa Hill.
Tony touching a Roman statue wearing a toga. The statue is mostly complete: one hand and wrist appears to be missing. It is located at the Carthage National Museum on Byrsa Hill.
Tony touching a Roman mosaic outside the museum at Carthage. The mosaic depicts two animals, perhaps a tiger and gazelle, along with a human figure holding a sword and shield, perhaps a hunter.
Tony touching a Roman mosaic outside the museum at Carthage. The mosaic depicts two animals, perhaps a tiger and gazelle, along with a human figure holding a sword and shield, perhaps a hunter.
Tony stood by a poster advertising Carthage dating from the French colonial era. It is titled 'Carthage - Le forum romain' and shows the Roman city of Carthage as it might have looked, including the central square or forum.
Tony stood by a poster advertising Carthage dating from the French colonial era. It is titled ‘Carthage – Le forum romain’ and shows the Roman city of Carthage as it might have looked, including the central square or forum.
View of the former St Louis Cathedral on Byrsa Hill. Since 1993 the cathedral building has officially been known as the Acropolium and is now used to host cultural events. It was built as a Roman Catholic cathedral between 1884 and 1890. It is a mixture of architectural styles including Romanesque and Byzantine. The picture shows the large central dome and three smaller domes. There are large finials in the corners of the roof and the whole structure is painted white. Byrsa Hill was formerly a citadel standing prominently in the Punic and Roman cities. The cathedral was built on the peak of the hill over ruins of an old temple dedicated to Eshmun, the Punic god of healing. Today the site also contains the Carthage National Museum and excavated ruins of the Punic city.
View of the former St Louis Cathedral on Byrsa Hill. Since 1993 the cathedral building has officially been known as the Acropolium and is now used to host cultural events. It was built as a Roman Catholic cathedral between 1884 and 1890. It is a mixture of architectural styles including Romanesque and Byzantine. The picture shows the large central dome and three smaller domes. There are large finials in the corners of the roof and the whole structure is painted white. Byrsa Hill was formerly a citadel standing prominently in the Punic and Roman cities. The cathedral was built on the peak of the hill over ruins of an old temple dedicated to Eshmun, the Punic god of healing. Today the site also contains the Carthage National Museum and excavated ruins of the Punic city.
Tony touching the remaining torso of a statue depicting Hannibal, a Carthaginian General and statesman, who commanded the forces of Carthage in their battle with the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. He was born in 247 BC at Carthage and died between 183 and 181 BC in what is now Turkey.
Tony touching the remaining torso of a statue depicting Hannibal, a Carthaginian General and statesman, who commanded the forces of Carthage in their battle with the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. He was born in 247 BC at Carthage and died between 183 and 181 BC in what is now Turkey.
Tony stood beneath two massive columns with Corinthian capitals on top. These are surviving fragments of Roman Carthage.
Tony stood beneath two massive columns with Corinthian capitals on top. These are surviving fragments of Roman Carthage.
Tony by two more ruined columns within the ruins of Roman Carthage.
Tony by two more ruined columns within the ruins of Roman Carthage.

Sidi Bou Saïd

View along the main street in Sidi Bou Saïd. Sidi Bou Saïd is an attractive village overlooking the Gulf of Tunis. It is known for its white painted buildings with blue doors and windows. It is about 12 miles (19 kilometres) from the centre of Tunis.
View along the main street in Sidi Bou Saïd. Sidi Bou Saïd is an attractive village overlooking the Gulf of Tunis. It is known for its white painted buildings with blue doors and windows. It is about 12 miles (19 kilometres) from the centre of Tunis.
Tony on the main street in Sidi Bou Saïd. A souvenir shop can be seen opposite. The village is popular with tourists.
Tony sat in Café des Délices in Sidi Bou Saïd. The café provides spectacular views across the Gulf of Tunis. The photo shows wooded cliffs in the near distance with a slightly hazy view of the built-up coastline stretching out beyond. There are hills in the far distance. There is also a large yellow glow from the setting sun on the horizon.
Tony sat in Café des Délices in Sidi Bou Saïd. The café provides spectacular views across the Gulf of Tunis. The photo shows wooded cliffs in the near distance with a slightly hazy view of the built-up coastline stretching out beyond. There are hills in the far distance. There is also a large yellow glow from the setting sun on the horizon.
Tony with his Tunisian friend, Med at Café des Délices. The Mediterranean Sea in the background.
Tony with his Tunisian friend, Med at Café des Délices. The Mediterranean Sea in the background.
A local Tunisian man singing and playing for Tony. The man is playing a bendir, a traditional hand-held wooden-framed drum, which is played throughout North Africa.
A local Tunisian man singing and playing for Tony. The man is playing a bendir, a traditional hand-held wooden-framed drum, which is played throughout North Africa.
Tony back in the centre of Tunis outside the main entrance to the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul. The photo is taken in the early evening and the cathedral is illuminated.
Tony back in the centre of Tunis outside the main entrance to the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul. The photo is taken in the early evening and the cathedral is illuminated.
Tony in Independence Square in central Tunis. Behind a sculpture spelling out 'I ♥ Tunis' in giant letters. The word love is depicted with a heart symbol.
Tony in Independence Square in central Tunis. Behind a sculpture spelling out ‘I ♥ Tunis’ in giant letters. The word love is depicted with a heart symbol.