Kebili
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Kebili (or Qibilī; Arabic: ) is a desert town in central Tunisia. It is located at around , south of the Chott el-Jerid. It is the capital of the Kebili Governorate.
History
Kebili or in correct spelling Gibili is one of the oldest Oasis in Tunisia and North Africa. Kebili holds the earliest hard evidence of human inhabitation in Tunisia(found near the town) and dates back about 200,000 years. Kebili as many others Tunisian towns enters under the control of Roman Empire after the Punic Wars.
Demographics
Kebili population is diverse compared to other Tunisian governorates. When you visit Kebili you will notice the existing of three main race/ethnic groups:
- Arabs: They came to Kebili in early days of Islamic Conquest. Most of them came from the Southern Arabian Peninsula (Known today as Saudi Arabia and Yemen. They still hold the names of their ancestor’s tribes.
- Berbers: They are the native habitants of Tunisia and North Africa. Berbers are considered minorities because they prefer to live in mountains (the most famous site is Matmata).
- Blacks: They came to the city, when it was a famous slavery trade center. See economy for more information.
Language and Religion
Arabic is the dominant language in the region. The everyday Arabic differs from literal Arabic to various degrees. The most noticeable difference is in pronunciation of the letter Qäf; it’s pronounced Gä. See Tunisian Arabic for more details. Islam is the dominant religion too. Kebili, as many other Tunisians towns, holds a great number of Soofiat Maqams (a.k.a. Saleheen).
Economy
The Kebilian economy saw diverse orientations through history. Kebili was one the main hubs of slavery trade of Africans to satisfy European needs at that time. Slaves were taken to Europe through the port of Gabes. This is why a significant number of African Tunisians live there. In nowadays, Kebili rely heavily on agriculture and tourism.
Agriculture
The main region product is the Dattes or Deglets. Kebili produce a very high quality Dattes that is exported to the entire world and contribute with a big value of the local and national economy.
Tourism
Starting from the independence, the government encouraged tourist projects and resorts in the region. These projects resulted in the raise of Saharian Tourism in Tunisia. Douz, south of Kebili, is the most famous Saharian destination of Tunisia (known as the Sahara Gate).
External links
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