Invitation from the general co-chairs

Abstract

Tunisia is the smallest nation in North Africa, but its strategic position has ensured it an eventful history. The Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans and French have all come and gone in this part of the world. While you are in Tunisia, do not forget to visit many historic and touristic sites the country offers to its visitors. In the capital city of Tunis, is Carthage. Once one of the great cities of the ancient world, Carthage has been reduced to a dozen or so sites scattered among the villas of the affluent north-eastem suburbs of Tunis. The sites to see in Carthage are spread over a wide area. In Tunis also is the Bardo Museum which is the finest museum in Tunisia, housing the most important finds from the country's many ancient sites. It is famous for its superb collection of mosaics commissioned between the 2d and 41h centuries AD to adorn the sumptuous villas of Roman Africa's many wealthy citizens. Close to Tunis is Sidi Bou Sard, a picturesque little whitewashed village set high on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Tunis. Its maze of narrow, cobbled streets with old stone steps made it a delightful place for a stroll. Gleaming white-washed walls are dotted with the ornate, curved window grills that are a local trademark, all painted the same deep blue, and colorful arched doorways that open into small courtyards filled with geraniums and bougainvillea. South of Tunis is Zaghouan which used to supply Carthage with fresh water carried by a 70 km-long aqueduct. Part of the aqueduct, in remarkably good condition, can be seen along the Tunis-Zaghouan road. The water source is the Temple des Eaux, a once grand fountain surrounded by 12 niches that used to hold statues depicting each month. Not far from here are the remains of the Roman city of Thuburbo Majus which was one of the first towns to come under Carthaginian control during Carthage's drive to build an African empire in the 5th century BC. Most of the buildings date from the second half of the 2d century. Worth visiting is the holy city of Kairouan. It was here that Islam gained its first foothold in the Maghreb. The main attraction is the Great Mosque inside the medina. Close to the medina is Zaouia of Sidi Sahab housing the tomb of Abu Zama el-Belaoui, a Sahabi (companion) of the Prophet Mohammed. The original mausoleum dates back to the 7th century AD. Further south is the ancient colosseum in El-Jein, one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Africa. The well-preserved amphitheater with a seating capacity of 30,000 is almost as big as its counterpart in Rome. The structure is believed to have been built between AD 230 and 238. Sfax is the second largest city in Tunisia, whose only attraction here is the unspoiled old medina, probably the finest in the country. Gab& is the largest cluster of oases occupying the narrow strip of land between the Chott Jerid and the Gulf of Gabes. The oases have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and the settlement at Gabes grew into the Roman town of Tacapae. Do include a stop in Matmata. The Berbers of Matmata went underground centuries ago to escape the summer heat. The town still boasts dozens of the troglodyte pit homes that are its main attraction. Each of the many mounds that dot the landscape represents a home. You must also visit the town of Douz which touts itself as the gateway to Sahara and go camel trekking into the Sahara.