With more than three thousand years of history and a significant multi-ethnic influx, the ancient Tunisia culture has been substantially influenced by many cultures, civilizations, and successive dynasties over the course of history, with varying degrees of dominance.
Traces of History | Tunisia
Ancient civilizations including the Carthaginians, Numidians, and Romans laid the foundation for Tunisia’s architecture. Islamic architecture in the area evolved after the 7th century under a series of rulers and dynasties. French colonial rule introduced European architecture in the late 19th century, and in the second part of the 20th century, modern architecture gained prominence.
Over 2,500 years of history have left a remarkable array of historical buildings in Tunisia. The magnificent ancient Punic culture, which was famous for its well-organized urban planning, has left behind just a small number of breathtaking remains. The city of Dougga in the north and the enormous stadium at El-Jem are the magnificent structures that make up the Roman ruins and stand out for their size and power.
Islam has given rise to some of the most beautiful architectural designs, from the austere efficiency of the early Aghlabids to the numerous Ottoman and Andalusian wonders. Visitors may occasionally feel disoriented in Tunisia’s medina (walled city), which each has a massive mosque at its centre and appears to be unplanned. After Cordoba fell, waves of Muslim Spanish-Arab immigrants started to enter North Africa. Over a 350-year period, up to 150,000 of these refugees arrived in Tunisia. They carried with them the literature, fine arts, and architectural styles of Arab Spain. They realized Andalusian arts and architecture in the Tunisian landscape.
The Berber (Amazigh) population uses a variety of regional vernacular architectural styles, which may be seen throughout the country’s southern areas. Some of the most remarkable native architectural designs in the south were created by the Berbers. These structures were chosen for the Star Wars films due to their distinctive design and appearance, which gave the sense that they were from another planet. The distinctive relief brickwork of Tozeur and Nefta, which fashions elaborate monochromatic patterns out of protruding bricks that are the colour of sand, is also very impressive.
The remarkable monuments in Jerba are a testament to the Kharijite sect. Because they were all built with defence in mind, the bulk of these buildings are completely white, like fortresses, and serve a variety of purposes.
Jasmine Revolution
The Tunisian Revolution is also referred to as the Jasmine Revolution. When a revolution arises somewhere, thrones collapse and power hubris are overthrown. The main reasons for the protests were high levels of unemployment, food inflation, corruption, a lack of political liberties (particularly freedom of speech), and poor living conditions.
It culminated in a wave of demonstrations in Tunisia, which led to Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s overthrow in January 2011. In the end, it resulted in entirely free and democratic elections and a thorough democratization of the country.
The relationship between art and politics in Tunisia has changed significantly after the 2011 revolution, despite the country’s long and rich cultural past. Censorship existed under the late president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s administration; however, remarkable freedom of expression has since taken its place.
After the old regime was ousted, works of art that dealt with the revolution flourished, both to imitate well-known revolutionary symbols and to deal with the complicated challenges the nation was still struggling with. Street art played a significant part in the months leading up to and following the revolution by reclaiming formerly government-controlled public spaces because it allowed artists and ordinary citizens to express themselves freely.
Tunisian culture and art | Tunisia
At the beginning of the 20th century, Tunisia’s towns and cities started to adopt new European architectural styles. Arab architecture gradually integrated elements from Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Arabism. The Tunis School was established in the 1940s as a contemporary school of Tunisian painting.
Expression through the arts is blooming right now. Installations, performances, visual arts, photography, and other forms of media are frequently on display as part of the Dream City Biennale at galleries and other public settings. In Tunisia, where theatre has been since the 1910s, modern dance, music, and film are being studied for the first time.
“If, one day, the people wills to live
Then fate must obey”
– Abu el-Kacem el-Chabbi
Abu el-Kacem el-Chabbi is certainly the most well-known poet and Tunisia’s national poet (1909-34). One of his compositions, the motivational poem Will to Live, is taught to all Tunisian children.
Malouf, a national institution formed in Tunisia by Andalusian immigrants in the 15th century, is known for its “traditional” music. It mixes musical compositions that act as breaks and preludes with vocal works that are performed in a Nouba, a nine-part pattern.
The dramatic Dance of the Vases, which is performed by dancers holding vases in the air, is one of the classic Berber dances. One frequently sees Berber dance at the Festival of the Ksour, which takes place in September not far from Tataouine.
Calligraphy has a long and illustrious history. One of the finest specimens of ancient calligraphy may be found above the entrance to the Mosque of the Three Doors in Kairouan as well as on the eastern wall and minaret of the Great Mosque in Sfax. Kufic was an angular script used by early calligraphers that were perfect for carving on stone.
The painting was introduced to Tunisia by the French as a realistic rather than decorative art form. Murals and ceiling paintings were in particularly great demand in the 15th and 19th centuries.
Hedi Turki’s paintings are characterized by their highly geometric shapes, which are typical of contemporary art. However, they also incorporate Western styles that attempt to depict daily life, such as images of cafes, hammams (public bathhouses), and music and dance performances – figurative works that are unusual in the context of an Islamic society. Yahia Turki is frequently referred to as the father of Tunisian painting.
The amazing decorative culture of Tunisia includes vibrant rugs, pottery, intricately carved brass objects, and enormous folk silver jewellery.
Cultural heritage and diversity
When the topic of cultural heritage is introduced, the preservation of historic sites is the first item that is raised. However, it is now important to comprehend and consider other aspects of preservation that are integral to a region’s culture and heritage.
When addressing cultural heritage, it is important to emphasize the potential for renewal, to reevaluate one’s profession, to recompose it in the current socio-cultural context, and to hope for a better future, rather than the need for preservation per se.
Tunisia has done a terrific job of maintaining a healthy balance between all of its different influences. Turkish Beys (military leaders), Italian artisans, and Andalusian refugees have all left their mark. Because of this, the minarets in Testour are reminiscent of Spanish architecture, the Ottoman motifs on the ceramics in Kairouan, and the Italian-inspired marble carvings on the Beys’ tombs in Tunis. Similarly to that, the “stambali” musical style was developed by former African slaves. With Berber, Andalusian, Jewish, and Italian roots, the cuisine likewise reflects this cultural diversity.
References | Tunisia
Culture of tunisia (no date) travelistica.com. Available at: https://travelistica.com/en/destinations-guide/Tunisia/Culture-of–Tunisia.c.497.11/ (Accessed: December 31, 2022).
Culture of tunisia (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Tunisia#Cultural_diversity (Accessed: December 31, 2022).
