March 17 2005

Reviving The Tunisian Culture

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Yesterday Tunisia celebrated the Day for National Handcrafts and Traditional Costume. A day that Tunisians use to revive their beautiful culture and its different trends that have been preserved throughout the years.
Other than the exhibitions, seminars and the discounts on many items of the traditional costumes and handcrafted products, many Tunisians wear their traditional costumes on that day on their way to work (mostly in the public sector), which I find simply amazing.
Among the traditional costumes there is the “barnous”, the “qoftan”, and the most famous traditional Tunisian costume: the “Djebba”, which –in the case of men- has a loose wide form, decorated with handmade broidery, and comes in different colors. The female Djebba on the other hand has a different tighter form, the hand broidery is more noticeable and the colors are shinier.

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Of course wearing the Djebba isn’t limited to that day alone. Tunisians wear their traditional costumes on family occasions like weddings, or outeyya (a party for the bride few days before the wedding) or on cultural events. It is also popular to wear Djebba during Hadj (Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca).
The material used for Djebba differs and the prices differ accordingly. When handmade the Djebba is more expensive than when made by machines. And of course the beauty of the handmade Djebba is worth every Millime. The designs of Djebba also vary from one city to the other, but the general outcome is somehow the same.
The Djebba has become very popular, even tourists run to buy one.
I must say this one day celebration is very impressive and unveils a very beautiful side of the Tunisian national heritage that should make every Tunisian proud.

Speaking of this occasion, if you’re in Tunisia, don’t miss the “22ème Salon de la Création Artisanale”, an annual exhibition that offers a very wide and stunning range of Tunisian handcrafted and traditional products.
The exhibition takes place in Parc des Expositions du Kram, will start today March 17th, and will be open till March 26th.
I go there every year, it’s really amazing.

  • Sources: Préparez les djebba pour la rencontre des amis(FR),Journée nationale de l’habit traditionnel et de l’artisanat(FR), Celebrations(AR), (AR).
    • Category: Arab Societies, Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    March 8 2005

    International Women’s Day

    Today marks the International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is: “Gender equality beyond 2005: Building a more secure future.”

    Many Arab countries celebrate the International Women’s Day, and many have their own national woman day.
    In my personal opinion that is limited to personal experience and some readings and media news here and there, two countries are on the right track as far as women’s rights are concerned: Tunisia and Jordan.
    Tunisia is one of the Arab countries that have given women rights in almost everything. The Tunisian law guarantees the benefits and secures the destiny of women unlike many other countries where women are still struggling to get the basic rights of survival and participation in society.
    And I know, Tunisian women wont settle for what they’ve achieved, they’ll always ask for more… my hearts with you Tunisian men 😉 But really, I think Tunisia deserves being admired for the achievements in this regard.

    As for Jordan, I must also say that women are getting more rights and are entering more fields that were once considered taboo!
    The country’s progress is witnessed by the increased women’s empowerment in many ways, such as women’s quota in the Lower House, the appointment of seven senators in the 40-seat Upper House, the naming of four female ministers in the most recent Cabinet, and the recent appointments in the judiciary, which now has 26 female judges.
    But my favorite achievement is the ongoing project of opening shelters for abused and mistreated women. Something Arab countries lack in general. And I really am very impressed by this great step that will allow women to reject abuse and look for a better life without the fear of ending on the streets. I think all Arab countries should follow Jordan in this.

    The only principle disadvantages Jordanian women have according to the Jordan Times are:
    – The country’s Labor Law does not guarantee women equal pay for equal work.
    – Women are underrepresented in higher management positions in the public sector.
    – Citizenship Law, which allows men to pass on Jordanian citizenship to their foreign wives and children but denies women the same right.
    And I think in no time, Jordan will achieve success in these 3 points as well.

    In Jordan and in observance of International Women’s Day, media institutions have appointed female co-workers to run the institutions for one day.
    As for Tunisia The President Zein El Abidine Ben Ali, congratulated the President of the National Union For the Tunisian Woman with the following speech: (AR), (FR).

    Related:

  • Progress Of Arab Women
  • Woman’s Day In Tunisia
  • Kuwait Women Rights Now
  • March 8th(AR)
    • Category: Arab Societies, Jordan, Media, International, Tunisia, Women | LEAVE A COMMENT
    February 28 2005

    On Sharon’s Visit To Tunisia

    As many of you already know, the Tunisian President invited Sharon to attend the World Summit on the Information Society. Sharon accepted the invitation and he will be in Tunis in November 2005.

    The invitation was announced last week, I didn’t post anything about it because I was waiting for the confirmation through media. Now that it’s confirmed, let’s take a look at the very few reactions I could find as covered by media and the blogosphere:
    Arabic, French & English.

    That’s all I was able to find, the whole thing seems to be not very well covered, neither by press, nor TV, not even the net. Anyway, if there are any updates I could get my hands on, I will make sure to post them here.

    Category: Arab Societies, Media, International, Palestine, Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    February 16 2005

    Lately In Tunisia



    Click pic for enlargement…

    The weather has been really “unfriendly” this winter. It’s been so cold and the wind seems to be pretty strong to blow a whole ship into the beaches of Hergla (a place close to Sousse), as the picture of the stranded ship above shows.
    I got the picture from our friend Soly, who was able to get it from his friend Hela 🙂
    If I had the cam with me in the office the other day I would’ve taken a picture which would have also helped show the effects of the extremely strong wind, which was able to rip off the lake’s under-water- plants and drag them up to the surface forming some kind of little islands here and there that were immediately occupied by the cute seagulls before the wind drowned them back again!

    The temperatures are still very low, it reached 3 degrees many times, which is -for Tunis-really cold.
    We also had heavy rain, which was able to break down trees, cutting our electricity cables for a little while.
    Some locations in the southern part of Tunisia witnessed even sand storms in their deserts, and on February 7th, the region of Sousse-Nabeul was hit twice by an earthquake, the first was 4.7 on Richter’s scale, while the other was 5.1. Fortunately, unlike last year, Tunis wasn’t the center of the quake, so we only got to feel a light turbulence, which felt as if one was a bit dizzy rather than being hit by an earthquake.

    I hope the weather will get better and that nature will get back to its friendly mood very soon.

    Category: Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    January 26 2005

    Endlich: MMS in Tunesien!

    “Der GPRS Zeitalter in Tunesien hat endlich eingebrochen! Jetzt können Kunden von Tunicell gegen eine Gebühr von 5 Dinars/Monat den MMS Service nutzen. Eine MMS bis 100 KB kostet 500 Millimes(jede MMS kostet 500 Millimes, die nicht in den 5 Dinars drin sind). Unklar ist, wie gut die GPRS Netzabdeckung ist, und wann die Kunden der Roaming-Partner diese Technologie verwenden können. Bisher wird auch nur der MMS Service angeboten.”
    Via: Soly Zed

    Klasse oder!
    Mehr Infos zur Meldung findet man hier. Man kann sich für den Service online abonnieren, sofern man bereits registriert ist, und man ein Handy mit Vertrag(post-payé)schon hat.

    • English for the curious 🙂
      Finally the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is available in Tunisia. Tunicell customers can use this service for only 5 Tunisian Dinars per month. Each MMS costs 500 Millimes that are not included in the 5 TND paid per month.
      Click hier for more information about MMS subscription in Tunisia.
      You can subscribe online if you’re already registered and have a post-paid contract with Tunisie Telecom.
      For information about the MMS click here!
    Category: Posts in German, Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    December 20 2004

    Tunis Weblogger Meetup Group

    My dear husband thought it was about time we have a Tunis Weblogger Meetup Group, which, I believe, is a great idea, thank you MMM 🙂
    So, if you’re a Tunisian blogger or someone blogging from Tunisia, please do join the Tunis Weblogger Meetup Group.
    I know that there are many Tunisian Bloggers who live abroad, and I hope we’ll be able to gather in this meetup.
    Let me also thank Haitham, who told us about the success of the Bahrain Bloggers’ Meetup and encouraged us all to have similar meetups wherever we are 🙂
    Via: Subzero Blue

    Category: Media, International, Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    November 29 2004

    Thank You Tunisia

    Just a note to thank Tunisia and its people for celebrating: “la Journée mondiale de solidarité avec le peuple palestinien”: The Day of Solidarity with the people of Palestine.

    On this occasion, Tunisia stresses its call to the International community, for ensuring the protection of the Palestinian people, by acting immediately to put an end to the Israeli actions which are threatening the safety of the Palestinians, thus considered a violation of the international agreements… a call, for which the late President, Yasser Arafat, has devoted his whole life fighting for.
    And while Tunisia is pointing out the necessity of fulfilling the Resolutions of the Arab Summit held in Tunis, that call for negotiations to guarantee peace and safety in the Middle East region, Tunisia insists on giving the Palestinian people their rights.
    Source: La Presse .

    Today, the Tunisian TV Channels have special TV programs about Palestine and the Palestinian Traditions. They will also show interviews with Palestinians living in Tunisia.
    I believe that this is a very nice gesture which means a lot to all Palestinians, making them feel remembered and supported. I’m sure all Palestinians appreciate such a day and are proud of their Tunisian brothers and sisters for celebrating it.

    Category: Arab Societies, Palestine, Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    October 25 2004

    Donate For ATL MST/SIDA

    The Musical Club of the Faculty of Science INSAT and Mr. Tawfiq Al-Thouioui’s Musical Zone of Ariana will be throwing a musical party on Wednesday, October 27th, in INSAT- Tunis, at 21:00.
    All the revenues will go to ATL (Association Tunisienne de Lutte contre Les MST & le SIDA), The Tunisian Association for fighting AIDS and the sexually transmittable diseases.
    Ticket price: 7 TND.

    If you’re in Tunisia, and you’re free on Wednesday, and you feel like spending good time, and doing something good, consider donating 7 TND for the ATL MST/SIDA.
    For more information, you can contact the Association, Tel/Fax: 71.701.195.

    Category: Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    September 21 2004

    Good Morning Tunisia

    So we’re back in Tunis now. Vacation flew by so fast that I really don’t feel I had enough of my days off.
    It was great being back in the beautiful country Jordan, watching all the new places that existed after I left to Tunisia, and re-living all the great memories of places I used to go to when I was still living in Jordan.
    Jordan has changed a lot, many people might not notice that, but I personally believe a big change is so obvious. Part of the change was really impressive, the other part, well, let me just say, it was negative.
    I loved seeing the signs of civilization and progress almost everywhere. I adored the vitality of streets, the bright lights in the dark skies at midnight, the noise of pickups, the smell of fresh baked “manaqeesh”, the sight of the rich and poor people waiting side by side for a hot plate of falafel in a little store. I loved the fresh cool breeze in a hot summer day, and the extremely cold air at night. And the architecture of houses and buildings in Amman, what a pleasant sight! It’s true Amman isn’t considered one of the most organized capitals when it comes to building, but still one can see beauty in the architecture of Amman.
    Jordan has become really open to other cultures, investments and international projects. And for those who love shopping, be sure that Amman has become one of the most interesting capitals that will guarantee you satisfaction for sure. Regardless of your budget, and no matter what you’re most interested in, you’ll enjoy shopping either in Amman’s great malls, shopping centers or even in those normal little stores spread all over the capital. And in case you’re just like me: a food lover 😛 then Amman will offer you a very wide range of all kinds of food from international and local kitchens 🙂 hmmm, let me not list the places I loved or I’ll get you all bored reading and reading and reading 😛
    What I really love about Amman is that you don’t have to go through a lot of complications to get something you like. In fact the system encourages you to use technology, invest, and many other useful things.
    Yet the change that I personally considered really negative was watching young people getting confused about modernization. Reading the newspaper articles, taking a look at the local magazines and watching people in the streets, malls, restaurants and all, one can easily notice the huge group of young people who think that becoming modern is by imitating other cultures in looks and life style and abandoning everything that has to do with their own culture. But then again, this negative change isn’t only in Jordan, but in most of the Arab countries, unfortunately. It’s even worse here in Tunisia. But we can’t blame parents alone, neither the country’s policy alone, neither schools or universities alone, they’re all to be blamed together. How great it was to see some families sticking to their beautiful tradition, religion and old virtues, while benefiting from modernization in all possible ways. Young people should be guided and shown that modernization and tradition do not contradict. And with tradition I mean the old peaceful respectful way of life, and not the destructive backward ideas that relate to evil or shallow thinking.
    I hope Arab countries will try to save what’s left to save from their beautiful traditions while fitting in the modern world. It’s not that hard actually.

    Anyway, all I can say about Jordan is that despite its small geographical size, and despite its economical circumstances, and despite its lack of green color –relatively speaking that is- despite all this, Jordan is a country full of life, always blooming in all fields, and always offering new places, new attractions and new services for civilians as well as visitors. Jordan is so so alive, and this is the thing I love most about it.

    Now we’re back in the beautiful Tunisia, and I miss Jordan and my family since I said goodbye in the airport. I really don’t feel I saw them enough or spent enough time with them. But this is life I guess, you can’t have everything you wish for, right! I never stop trying though 😛
    I didn’t see all the people I wished I’d see, but I hope I’ll make it up next time. Most of all, I really wished my older brother and sister were there. Not seeing them made me feel something was really missing…
    If I let my feelings take control, then I’ll surely fail to enjoy any second away from my family. But this is neither what I want, nor what the ones I love would wish for me, therefore I always try to fit in my second country Tunisia, try to enjoy its beauty and good people. I hate to fail in having a happy life, so I focus on what I’m good at, and what I’m good at is never surrendering to sadness and depression 🙂 The piles of papers and loads of work I have to do aren’t helping that much, but will do my best not to let anything change my happy mood.

    As you can see, this post shows how much I miss blogging, so be prepared for a lot of writing to come your way. I’ll write about my adventurous vacation for you to share my lovely experience 🙂

    Category: Just Personal, Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    August 12 2004

    Woman’s Day In Tunisia

    Tomorrow August 13th, is an official holiday in Tunisia, it’s Woman’s Day.
    The streets are full of signs with “Tunisian Woman Day” and “We Respect Women”, and stuff like that. Assi Al Hillani (a famous Lebanese singer) is throwing a concert on this occasion, and I’m sure so many women’s rights organizations and activists will be making speeches and activities to celebrate this day.
    If you’re not living in Tunisia, then you must know that it’s one of the leading countries all around the world when it comes to women’s rights. But I personally think women are exaggerating sometimes. Women here asked for their rights, they got it, but it wasn’t enough for them, so they asked for more in the name of equality to men, till they overloaded their lives with duties and jobs, leaving men enjoying a less hectic and more comfortable life.
    It is so impressive to see women working and living happily. It’s great to know they’re equal to men, but equality does not mean doing the same things, no. It means having full rights, being constructive and effective members in society and being protected from assaults or mistreatment. Freedom, independency and liberation of women, are definitions that got really mixed up because of some activists who unfortunately think, a woman can never be an equal to man unless she lost her femininity. Do I have to grow a mustache and have muscles about to explode just to prove I’m strong enough?!
    From the beginning of existence women were born with their own responsibilities as females, and so were men. I’m not against women entering most of the fields that were exclusively for men, but I’m surly against treating men as competitors! Men and women are to work as a team, hand in hand, side by side, work can be in an office, at home, anywhere. As long as each has a duty, each has certain responsibilities, and both are happy, then there is no need to ask for more and more, it’s enough!
    If a man buys the fruits, and the woman makes the juice, and they both drink it, then they’ve both played a role and they’ve both earned the drink equally. I don’t have to insist on buying the fruits myself and him making the juice! We should complete each other. Some women are tougher than their male partners, in this case, there’s no harm if she does the hard work as long as she’s happy with it and not being overloaded and as long as he’s helping her in other ways. But a woman should stop thinking that she’s never equal to man unless she cooks, works, drives the kids to school and back, goes out, cleans the house, and gets double the salary of her husband for example. This is slavery to a stupid useless idea. If the man is ok and can do his job, then both should make some kind of balance to guarantee a healthy comfortable relationship.
    I just hate the fact that some women say they’re free and have their rights, when they’re working as twice as men, and being used every day of their life.
    I wish women will really open their eyes and get their perfect role in life as working members, mothers, students and everywhere. It’s not in the quality of work, it’s the balance between rights and duties that makes the woman feel her freedom and be satisfied with her rights.
    Anyway, happy Woman’s Day to all women of the world, specially the Tunisian woman, since tomorrow is her day:) Hoping all women will be as happy and well-treated as they wish.

    Category: Tunisia, Women | LEAVE A COMMENT