November 6, 2024 • 18 mins
Join us on Global Treasures as we wander through the enchanting Medina of Tunis, the historic heart of Tunisia's capital. This UNESCO World Heritage site once stood as one of the Islamic world's most prosperous cities, flourishing from the 12th to 16th centuries. Discover a mesmerizing maze of narrow alleyways revealing over 700 architectural treasures - from opulent palaces to grand mosques. We'll guide you through this living museum where ancient traditions still thrive, share the fascinating stories behind its monuments, and offer insider tips for experiencing the charm of this medieval city. Whether you're a history enthusiast or cultural explorer, this episode unveils the magnificent heritage of one of North Africa's most captivating medinas.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries,
Keith (00:04):
where culture and nature intertwine to create something truly extraordinary.
Abigail (00:09):
That's the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail.
Keith (00:15):
And I'm Keith.
Abigail (00:16):
And this is Global Treasures, the podcast that covers the history, travel
tips, and legends surrounding one of the1, 223 World Heritage Sites each episode.
Keith (00:29):
These places have been identified as having universal
cultural or natural significance.
Abigail (00:34):
That is so exceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Keith (00:41):
Welcome to Season 2, where we're going to explore the 45
sites that UNESCO added in 1979.
Abigail (00:47):
In
this episode, Keith and I will beintroducing you to Medina of Tunis.
Keith (00:55):
Picture yourself walking through narrow winding streets, the scent of
mint tea and exotic spices fillingthe air, while the distant call to
prayer echoes off ancient stone walls.
You're in the Medina of Tunis, aUNESCO World Heritage Site that stands
as one of the most fascinating andwell preserved examples of an Arab
Muslim city in the entire world.
Abigail (01:17):
Nestled between the western and eastern basins of the Mediterranean Sea,
Tunis holds a strategic position thathas shaped its destiny for millenia.
The city sits at the end of a shallowlake, an inlet of the Gulf of Tunis.
It is linked to its port, Halq al-Wadi,just six miles to the northeast.
(01:40):
This fertile plain region ofnortheastern Tunisia has been attracting
settlers for thousands of years.
Keith (01:48):
A story begins with the Libyans, who in the 9th century BCE surrendered
the nearby city of Carthage to theambitious Phoenician settlers from Tyre.
But the real drama unfolds in 1 46 BCEduring the third Punic war when both
Tunis and Carthage fell to Roman might.
While the city prospered under Roman rule,
(02:09):
its true.
Golden age would come centuries later.
Abigail (02:13):
The year 6 98.
CE marks a pivotal moment in ourstory, the founding of the Medina
around the magnificent Zitouna mosque.
This wasn't just theconstruction of a building.
It was the establishment of whatwould become the spiritual and
social heart of a great Islamic city.
(02:33):
The 8th and 9th centuries saw theMedina take shape with the construction
of its central axis, a masterpieceof urban planning that connected
the Zitouna Mosque with the Khazbah,the government center to the west.
By 863, the Al ZeytunaMosque was completed.
(02:54):
And in 902, Tunis achieved acrucial milestone, becoming
the capital of Ifriqiya.
Keith (03:02):
The real transformation began in 1159, when the Almohads came to power.
Under their rule, Tunis wasn'tjust a city, it was THE city,
elevated to the status of capital.
But the true golden agewas even more yet to come.
From 1228 to 1574, under the Hafsiddynasty, Tunis reached heights that would
(03:24):
make it the envy of the Islamic world.
This is when the city's architecturalcharacter truly took shape, blending
Ifriqiyan, Andalusian, and Easternstyle, while cleverly incorporating
elements from the Roman and Byzantineruins that dotted the landscape.
Abigail (03:41):
The 16th century brought dramatic changes.
In 1534, Hayreddin Barbarossaconquered Tunis bringing
Ottoman influence to the city.
What followed was aperiod of power struggles.
The Holy Roman Emperor Charlesthe V seized control in 1535.
(04:01):
Then the Turks reclaimed it, followedby the Spaniards from 1573 to 1574,
before the Ottoman Empire finallyestablished firm control This
Ottoman period left an indeliblemark on the Medina's architecture,
particularly in its distinctivemausoleums called torbes or turbe.
(04:25):
The Turks introduced a new architecturalvocabulary that would become an
integral part of the Medina's character.
Keith (04:33):
The French Protectorate period from 1881 to 1956 brought
new challenges and also changes.
During World War II, the city facedoccupation by German forces in 1942
before being liberated by British andAllied troops a year later in 1943.
Finally, in 1956, Tunis took its placeas the capital of an independent Tunisia.
Abigail (04:59):
Today, the Medina of Tunis is an extraordinary blend of past and
present, covering approximately 280hectares, which is about 690 acres.
Within its boundaries, you'll findover 700 monuments, each telling its
own story of the city's rich history.
Keith (05:20):
Let me take you through some of the most remarkable sites.
The Zitouna Mosque stands asa crown jewel, its prayer hall
supported by more than 200 columnsreclaimed from Roman Carthage.
It's Almohad's style minaretserves as a landmark visible
throughout the entire Medina.
Abigail (05:39):
The souks are the beating heart of the Medina.
The souk El Attarine, dating from the13th century, still fills the air with
the scent of perfumes and fragrant oils.
The souk de Chechias tells afascinating story of craft and commerce.
In the 17th century, 15, 000 craftsmenhere produced a million chechiyas, the
(06:04):
traditional blood red felt caps, annually.
Today, though only about 10chaouachis remain, they maintain
this centuries old tradition.
Keith (06:15):
The Tourbet el Bey, with its distinctive green fish scale
domes, stands as a testament toOttoman architectural influence.
Built during Ali Pasha II's reignin the 18th century, it serves
as the final resting place fornumerous Hussanite beys, princesses,
ministers, and trusted advisors.
(06:36):
Dar Othman offers a unique glimpseinto the city's Corsair past.
Built in the late 16th century forOthman Day, a successful pirate
who became governor of Tunis, itrepresents a fascinating blend of
Ottoman, Andalusian, and traditionalTunisian architectural styles.
The Dar Lashram, once home to theprestigious Lashram family, who
(06:59):
served as scribes to the Beys, nowhouses the Association des Sauvegarde
de la Medina de Tunis, dedicated topreserving this historical treasure.
Abigail (07:10):
What makes the Medina truly remarkable is that it's not
just a collection of monuments.
It's home to almost a fifth ofTunisia's entire population.
Its narrow streets and alleys,too narrow for cars, create an
intimate atmosphere that hasn'tchanged much since medieval times.
Each district maintains its own uniquecharacter, and even today, you can
(07:35):
feel the friendly rivalry between thenorthern and southern suburbs, most
visible in the passionate supportfor their respective football teams.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis vs.
Club Africain
Keith (07:50):
The Medina street plan, dating back to the 8th century, might seem
chaotic to modern eyes, but it actuallyreflects a sophisticated understanding
of social and cultural needs.
The layout, divided into residentialand commercial zones with its central
mosque and radiating neighborhoods, hasproven so effective that it's survived
(08:12):
virtually unchanged for over a millennium.
And speaking of experiencing the Medinafirsthand, Abigail is about to take you
on a journey through what it's like tovisit this extraordinary place today.
From the bustling markets where youcan practice your haggling skills,
my suggestion is to start at half ormaybe even a third of the asking price,
to the atmospheric dars, traditionalmansions converted into boutique
(08:36):
hotels, you're about to discoverwhy the Medina of Tunis isn't just a
monument to the past, but a vibrantpart of Tunisia's present and future.
Abigail, can you get us there and help usto experience the amazing sights, sounds,
cuisine, history, and architecture?
Abigail (08:53):
If you're coming into Tunisia from another country, you'll want to fly
into Tunis Carthage International Airport.
From there, you can take a taxi toyour hotel, which I recommend because
certain rideshare companies we'refamiliar with in North America or
Europe don't operate in Tunisia.
There are buses and other formsof public transport, but without
(09:17):
knowing the language, it mightjust be easier to order a taxi.
My understanding is that taxisgenerally only accept cash payment.
That's just an FYI.
I always suggest asking staff at yourhotel or even the airport which companies
are legitimate that they would recommend.
In terms of places to stay, thereare lots of luxury resorts like
(09:40):
Keith mentioned before, to moreaffordable options available.
Once you're settled in and ready togo to the Medina, know that there's
no cost to enter upon arrival.
You can book a guided walking tour,and prices vary depending on whether
it's a private or group tour.
I can guarantee, much likeKeith mentioned, you will end
(10:02):
up haggling and buying somethingthough, as bargaining is common.
This is a shopper's paradise.
There are vendors sellingspices, clothing, rugs, nearly
everything under the sun.
That being said, as I mentioned before,note that the language is Arabic.
This is a touristy area, so it'slikely some will speak English
(10:26):
and French, but bring a guidebookor download a translation app
on your phone just in case.
Keith (10:33):
So what can we expect the weather to be like?
Most of my research showed thatthis area is an absolutely wonderful
one as far as climate goes.
Abigail (10:41):
I would say it depends who you ask.
So Tunis gets mild winters with adecent amount of rain, and this is
why I say it depends who you ask.
It gets very hot in the summer.
Emphasis on hot.
It is usually between 70 to90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it
has had record temperatures ofup to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
(11:07):
So, if you're temperaturesensitive, mid summer might not
be the best time for you to visit.
Keith (11:13):
Okay, got it.
I would probably like that, but I can seehow some people wouldn't like the hot.
Oh, and you mentioned the shopping.
But what other things can youdo while you're in the area?
I know that we covered El Jem andthe ruins of Carthage in previous
episodes which are nearby, so a bundlewith these two could be amazing.
Some of the UNESCO sites wehaven't covered in Tunisia are
(11:34):
nearby, which also might be greatthings to bundle along with it.
What else did you find out?
Abigail (11:39):
Thanks for the reminder, Keith.
If you want to go back earlier inSeason 2, Episode 2 is about El Jem, and
Episode 6 is on the archaeological siteof Carthage, so you may want to bundle
both of those, and those episodes willgive you a lot of great information.
On top of that, There's the BardoMuseum, which is second only to the
(12:02):
Egyptian Museum of Cairo in terms ofthe number of and quality of artifacts.
It opened in 1888 and wasoriginally a 5th century palace.
There's also Avenue Habib Bourguiba,or you can take a tour and see
Dar el Bey, which is a palace thatstands on remains of a Roman theater.
(12:24):
If you love classical music, you cango see one of the Tunisian Symphony
Orchestra's monthly performances as well.
Also, I'll throw in another fact Ithought was interesting in regards
to the number of visitors annually.
I couldn't find numbers for how manypeople visit this site specifically,
But Tunisia as a whole had around 8.
(12:46):
8 million visitors in 2023, which is huge.
Keith (12:50):
I guess that would make tourism pretty important to this city.
And as always, and I know we'vecovered the food in Tunisia in previous
episodes, what are some specificdishes to try while visiting Tunis?
I know that there's a famous teashop there that is a must visit.
Abigail (13:06):
Tunisia is known for its olive oil production.
So most dishes incorporate it heavily.
Many main dishes also incorporate harissa,which is a condiment made of crushed
chili peppers and, again, olive oil.
Couscous, which is the nationaldish of Tunisia, is served with
(13:27):
many meats or vegetables, muchlike pasta in other countries.
Couscous is steamed and dried durum wheatthat has a texture somewhat like rice.
And this might sound kind of boring,but it's actually really good.
The food here does tend tobe spicier, so be forewarned.
(13:47):
Also, know you likely won't findpork on the menu anywhere, as it's
forbidden by Islamic dietary guidelines.
Keith (13:56):
Yeah, well, I've been lucky enough to have these
dishes here in the United States.
I know that it must be wonderful toexperience them as they've been made for
centuries in the area that created them.
Okay, now on to your favorite part.
Any conspiracy theories orurban legends or ghost stories
surrounding the Medina of Tunis?
Abigail (14:14):
Well, sort of.
And I guess we could categorize itas an extraterrestrial sighting.
In July of 1969, around 55 years ago,it was reported by many observers.
Including U.
S.
embassy officials, that a moon sized,two part flying object was seen
(14:35):
hovering in the sky over the city.
Suddenly, it exploded and createda greenish circular cloud,
only to disappear altogether.
Keith (14:46):
Oh, that's interesting, has it been cited since?
Abigail (14:49):
Not that I could find.
But, again, this was documentedby the government, and the
report can be found online.
So that's kind of interesting.
Keith (14:58):
I'm not sure if that makes me apt to believe this,
but it's still a fun story.
Alright, let's move on to learnwhat's being done to keep this
ancient, walled city preserved.
Abigail (15:07):
Sure thing.
So, when this site was originallyadded to the list, half of the site
was considered to be in poor state orpractically rubble, if we're being honest.
Each monument has remained vulnerabledue to socioeconomic change.
And let me explain.
What does that mean?
Well, this is a large citywith a huge population.
(15:31):
Necessary projects, such as theimprovement of roads, can threaten
the integrity of the site.
That being said, They have been workingthrough potential solutions and it sounds
like a buffer zone might be an easymeans to better protect the property.
And a buffer zone basically just meansthat there's space between like new houses
(15:53):
being built and the actual property.
So I have confidence that thissite is going to be protected
for future generations to enjoy.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
If you would like to support theshow, you can subscribe at Apple
Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, orwherever you get your podcasts.
(16:17):
You can also check us out on YouTube,and please follow us on TikTok.
Keith (16:22):
And that wraps up our journey through the mesmerizing Medina of Tunis.
From its labyrinthian streets, to bustlingsouks, to its magnificent mosques and
Ottoman palaces, this UNESCO WorldHeritage Site stands as a testament to the
extraordinary fusion of cultures that haveshaped North Africa over the centuries.
We hope this episode has givenyou a deeper appreciation for the
(16:44):
importance of preserving livingheritage sites like the Medina.
These urban treasures don'tjust connect us to our past.
They show us how historical spaces canremain vibrant and relevant in our modern
world, hosting thriving communities whilemaintaining their authentic character.
Our next episode will transport useastward to another jewel of Islamic
(17:06):
architecture and urban planning.
We're heading to Iran to exploreMeidan Emam, in Esfahan, one of the
largest city squares in the worldand a masterpiece of Persian design.
You This magnificent public space,with its stunning mosque complex, Grand
Bazaar, and Imperial Palace, representsthe pinnacle of Islamic architectural
(17:26):
achievement under the Safavid Empire.
It's a place where mathematics meetsbeauty, where geometry transforms into
poetry in stone, And where the geniusof Persian civilization shines in
every intricate tile and soaring arch.
So join us next time as we discoverthe mathematical precision and artistic
splendor of Meidan Emam, Esfahan.
(17:48):
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
See you on our next adventure.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries,
Keith (00:04):
where culture and nature intertwine to create something truly extraordinary.
Abigail (00:09):
That's the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail.
Keith (00:15):
And I'm Keith.
Abigail (00:16):
And this is Global Treasures, the podcast that covers the history, travel
tips, and legends surrounding one of the1, 223 World Heritage Sites each episode.
Keith (00:29):
These places have been identified as having universal
cultural or natural significance.
Abigail (00:34):
That is so exceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Keith (00:41):
Welcome to Season 2, where we're going to explore the 45
sites that UNESCO added in 1979.
Abigail (00:47):
In
this episode, Keith and I will beintroducing you to Medina of Tunis.
Keith (00:55):
Picture yourself walking through narrow winding streets, the scent of
mint tea and exotic spices fillingthe air, while the distant call to
prayer echoes off ancient stone walls.
You're in the Medina of Tunis, aUNESCO World Heritage Site that stands
as one of the most fascinating andwell preserved examples of an Arab
Muslim city in the entire world.
Abigail (01:17):
Nestled between the western and eastern basins of the Mediterranean Sea,
Tunis holds a strategic position thathas shaped its destiny for millenia.
The city sits at the end of a shallowlake, an inlet of the Gulf of Tunis.
It is linked to its port, Halq al-Wadi,just six miles to the northeast.
(01:40):
This fertile plain region ofnortheastern Tunisia has been attracting
settlers for thousands of years.
Keith (01:48):
A story begins with the Libyans, who in the 9th century BCE surrendered
the nearby city of Carthage to theambitious Phoenician settlers from Tyre.
But the real drama unfolds in 1 46 BCEduring the third Punic war when both
Tunis and Carthage fell to Roman might.
While the city prospered under Roman rule,
(02:09):
its true.
Golden age would come centuries later.
Abigail (02:13):
The year 6 98.
CE marks a pivotal moment in ourstory, the founding of the Medina
around the magnificent Zitouna mosque.
This wasn't just theconstruction of a building.
It was the establishment of whatwould become the spiritual and
social heart of a great Islamic city.
(02:33):
The 8th and 9th centuries saw theMedina take shape with the construction
of its central axis, a masterpieceof urban planning that connected
the Zitouna Mosque with the Khazbah,the government center to the west.
By 863, the Al ZeytunaMosque was completed.
(02:54):
And in 902, Tunis achieved acrucial milestone, becoming
the capital of Ifriqiya.
Keith (03:02):
The real transformation began in 1159, when the Almohads came to power.
Under their rule, Tunis wasn'tjust a city, it was THE city,
elevated to the status of capital.
But the true golden agewas even more yet to come.
From 1228 to 1574, under the Hafsiddynasty, Tunis reached heights that would
(03:24):
make it the envy of the Islamic world.
This is when the city's architecturalcharacter truly took shape, blending
Ifriqiyan, Andalusian, and Easternstyle, while cleverly incorporating
elements from the Roman and Byzantineruins that dotted the landscape.
Abigail (03:41):
The 16th century brought dramatic changes.
In 1534, Hayreddin Barbarossaconquered Tunis bringing
Ottoman influence to the city.
What followed was aperiod of power struggles.
The Holy Roman Emperor Charlesthe V seized control in 1535.
(04:01):
Then the Turks reclaimed it, followedby the Spaniards from 1573 to 1574,
before the Ottoman Empire finallyestablished firm control This
Ottoman period left an indeliblemark on the Medina's architecture,
particularly in its distinctivemausoleums called torbes or turbe.
(04:25):
The Turks introduced a new architecturalvocabulary that would become an
integral part of the Medina's character.
Keith (04:33):
The French Protectorate period from 1881 to 1956 brought
new challenges and also changes.
During World War II, the city facedoccupation by German forces in 1942
before being liberated by British andAllied troops a year later in 1943.
Finally, in 1956, Tunis took its placeas the capital of an independent Tunisia.
Abigail (04:59):
Today, the Medina of Tunis is an extraordinary blend of past and
present, covering approximately 280hectares, which is about 690 acres.
Within its boundaries, you'll findover 700 monuments, each telling its
own story of the city's rich history.
Keith (05:20):
Let me take you through some of the most remarkable sites.
The Zitouna Mosque stands asa crown jewel, its prayer hall
supported by more than 200 columnsreclaimed from Roman Carthage.
It's Almohad's style minaretserves as a landmark visible
throughout the entire Medina.
Abigail (05:39):
The souks are the beating heart of the Medina.
The souk El Attarine, dating from the13th century, still fills the air with
the scent of perfumes and fragrant oils.
The souk de Chechias tells afascinating story of craft and commerce.
In the 17th century, 15, 000 craftsmenhere produced a million chechiyas, the
(06:04):
traditional blood red felt caps, annually.
Today, though only about 10chaouachis remain, they maintain
this centuries old tradition.
Keith (06:15):
The Tourbet el Bey, with its distinctive green fish scale
domes, stands as a testament toOttoman architectural influence.
Built during Ali Pasha II's reignin the 18th century, it serves
as the final resting place fornumerous Hussanite beys, princesses,
ministers, and trusted advisors.
(06:36):
Dar Othman offers a unique glimpseinto the city's Corsair past.
Built in the late 16th century forOthman Day, a successful pirate
who became governor of Tunis, itrepresents a fascinating blend of
Ottoman, Andalusian, and traditionalTunisian architectural styles.
The Dar Lashram, once home to theprestigious Lashram family, who
(06:59):
served as scribes to the Beys, nowhouses the Association des Sauvegarde
de la Medina de Tunis, dedicated topreserving this historical treasure.
Abigail (07:10):
What makes the Medina truly remarkable is that it's not
just a collection of monuments.
It's home to almost a fifth ofTunisia's entire population.
Its narrow streets and alleys,too narrow for cars, create an
intimate atmosphere that hasn'tchanged much since medieval times.
Each district maintains its own uniquecharacter, and even today, you can
(07:35):
feel the friendly rivalry between thenorthern and southern suburbs, most
visible in the passionate supportfor their respective football teams.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis vs.
Club Africain
Keith (07:50):
The Medina street plan, dating back to the 8th century, might seem
chaotic to modern eyes, but it actuallyreflects a sophisticated understanding
of social and cultural needs.
The layout, divided into residentialand commercial zones with its central
mosque and radiating neighborhoods, hasproven so effective that it's survived
(08:12):
virtually unchanged for over a millennium.
And speaking of experiencing the Medinafirsthand, Abigail is about to take you
on a journey through what it's like tovisit this extraordinary place today.
From the bustling markets where youcan practice your haggling skills,
my suggestion is to start at half ormaybe even a third of the asking price,
to the atmospheric dars, traditionalmansions converted into boutique
(08:36):
hotels, you're about to discoverwhy the Medina of Tunis isn't just a
monument to the past, but a vibrantpart of Tunisia's present and future.
Abigail, can you get us there and help usto experience the amazing sights, sounds,
cuisine, history, and architecture?
Abigail (08:53):
If you're coming into Tunisia from another country, you'll want to fly
into Tunis Carthage International Airport.
From there, you can take a taxi toyour hotel, which I recommend because
certain rideshare companies we'refamiliar with in North America or
Europe don't operate in Tunisia.
There are buses and other formsof public transport, but without
(09:17):
knowing the language, it mightjust be easier to order a taxi.
My understanding is that taxisgenerally only accept cash payment.
That's just an FYI.
I always suggest asking staff at yourhotel or even the airport which companies
are legitimate that they would recommend.
In terms of places to stay, thereare lots of luxury resorts like
(09:40):
Keith mentioned before, to moreaffordable options available.
Once you're settled in and ready togo to the Medina, know that there's
no cost to enter upon arrival.
You can book a guided walking tour,and prices vary depending on whether
it's a private or group tour.
I can guarantee, much likeKeith mentioned, you will end
(10:02):
up haggling and buying somethingthough, as bargaining is common.
This is a shopper's paradise.
There are vendors sellingspices, clothing, rugs, nearly
everything under the sun.
That being said, as I mentioned before,note that the language is Arabic.
This is a touristy area, so it'slikely some will speak English
(10:26):
and French, but bring a guidebookor download a translation app
on your phone just in case.
Keith (10:33):
So what can we expect the weather to be like?
Most of my research showed thatthis area is an absolutely wonderful
one as far as climate goes.
Abigail (10:41):
I would say it depends who you ask.
So Tunis gets mild winters with adecent amount of rain, and this is
why I say it depends who you ask.
It gets very hot in the summer.
Emphasis on hot.
It is usually between 70 to90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it
has had record temperatures ofup to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
(11:07):
So, if you're temperaturesensitive, mid summer might not
be the best time for you to visit.
Keith (11:13):
Okay, got it.
I would probably like that, but I can seehow some people wouldn't like the hot.
Oh, and you mentioned the shopping.
But what other things can youdo while you're in the area?
I know that we covered El Jem andthe ruins of Carthage in previous
episodes which are nearby, so a bundlewith these two could be amazing.
Some of the UNESCO sites wehaven't covered in Tunisia are
(11:34):
nearby, which also might be greatthings to bundle along with it.
What else did you find out?
Abigail (11:39):
Thanks for the reminder, Keith.
If you want to go back earlier inSeason 2, Episode 2 is about El Jem, and
Episode 6 is on the archaeological siteof Carthage, so you may want to bundle
both of those, and those episodes willgive you a lot of great information.
On top of that, There's the BardoMuseum, which is second only to the
(12:02):
Egyptian Museum of Cairo in terms ofthe number of and quality of artifacts.
It opened in 1888 and wasoriginally a 5th century palace.
There's also Avenue Habib Bourguiba,or you can take a tour and see
Dar el Bey, which is a palace thatstands on remains of a Roman theater.
(12:24):
If you love classical music, you cango see one of the Tunisian Symphony
Orchestra's monthly performances as well.
Also, I'll throw in another fact Ithought was interesting in regards
to the number of visitors annually.
I couldn't find numbers for how manypeople visit this site specifically,
But Tunisia as a whole had around 8.
(12:46):
8 million visitors in 2023, which is huge.
Keith (12:50):
I guess that would make tourism pretty important to this city.
And as always, and I know we'vecovered the food in Tunisia in previous
episodes, what are some specificdishes to try while visiting Tunis?
I know that there's a famous teashop there that is a must visit.
Abigail (13:06):
Tunisia is known for its olive oil production.
So most dishes incorporate it heavily.
Many main dishes also incorporate harissa,which is a condiment made of crushed
chili peppers and, again, olive oil.
Couscous, which is the nationaldish of Tunisia, is served with
(13:27):
many meats or vegetables, muchlike pasta in other countries.
Couscous is steamed and dried durum wheatthat has a texture somewhat like rice.
And this might sound kind of boring,but it's actually really good.
The food here does tend tobe spicier, so be forewarned.
(13:47):
Also, know you likely won't findpork on the menu anywhere, as it's
forbidden by Islamic dietary guidelines.
Keith (13:56):
Yeah, well, I've been lucky enough to have these
dishes here in the United States.
I know that it must be wonderful toexperience them as they've been made for
centuries in the area that created them.
Okay, now on to your favorite part.
Any conspiracy theories orurban legends or ghost stories
surrounding the Medina of Tunis?
Abigail (14:14):
Well, sort of.
And I guess we could categorize itas an extraterrestrial sighting.
In July of 1969, around 55 years ago,it was reported by many observers.
Including U.
S.
embassy officials, that a moon sized,two part flying object was seen
(14:35):
hovering in the sky over the city.
Suddenly, it exploded and createda greenish circular cloud,
only to disappear altogether.
Keith (14:46):
Oh, that's interesting, has it been cited since?
Abigail (14:49):
Not that I could find.
But, again, this was documentedby the government, and the
report can be found online.
So that's kind of interesting.
Keith (14:58):
I'm not sure if that makes me apt to believe this,
but it's still a fun story.
Alright, let's move on to learnwhat's being done to keep this
ancient, walled city preserved.
Abigail (15:07):
Sure thing.
So, when this site was originallyadded to the list, half of the site
was considered to be in poor state orpractically rubble, if we're being honest.
Each monument has remained vulnerabledue to socioeconomic change.
And let me explain.
What does that mean?
Well, this is a large citywith a huge population.
(15:31):
Necessary projects, such as theimprovement of roads, can threaten
the integrity of the site.
That being said, They have been workingthrough potential solutions and it sounds
like a buffer zone might be an easymeans to better protect the property.
And a buffer zone basically just meansthat there's space between like new houses
(15:53):
being built and the actual property.
So I have confidence that thissite is going to be protected
for future generations to enjoy.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
If you would like to support theshow, you can subscribe at Apple
Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, orwherever you get your podcasts.
(16:17):
You can also check us out on YouTube,and please follow us on TikTok.
Keith (16:22):
And that wraps up our journey through the mesmerizing Medina of Tunis.
From its labyrinthian streets, to bustlingsouks, to its magnificent mosques and
Ottoman palaces, this UNESCO WorldHeritage Site stands as a testament to the
extraordinary fusion of cultures that haveshaped North Africa over the centuries.
We hope this episode has givenyou a deeper appreciation for the
(16:44):
importance of preserving livingheritage sites like the Medina.
These urban treasures don'tjust connect us to our past.
They show us how historical spaces canremain vibrant and relevant in our modern
world, hosting thriving communities whilemaintaining their authentic character.
Our next episode will transport useastward to another jewel of Islamic
(17:06):
architecture and urban planning.
We're heading to Iran to exploreMeidan Emam, in Esfahan, one of the
largest city squares in the worldand a masterpiece of Persian design.
You This magnificent public space,with its stunning mosque complex, Grand
Bazaar, and Imperial Palace, representsthe pinnacle of Islamic architectural
(17:26):
achievement under the Safavid Empire.
It's a place where mathematics meetsbeauty, where geometry transforms into
poetry in stone, And where the geniusof Persian civilization shines in
every intricate tile and soaring arch.
So join us next time as we discoverthe mathematical precision and artistic
splendor of Meidan Emam, Esfahan.
(17:48):
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
See you on our next adventure.
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