Discover Southern Tunisia.. An Exciting Journey in the Desert, Flavors, and Memories

SadaNews - "Oh the beauty of the desert and its joy, and how lovely are its sands.. a lake turns in its waves where its gazelle grazes," thus sang the late Tunisian singer Sidi Naama about the beauty of southern Tunisia, and she described it well.

Far from the hotels, services, and recreational activities available to tourists in the south, do not miss the chance to discover the secrets of the popular neighborhoods in the area and enjoy the delights of local cuisine and shopping for unique handmade local products.

Tozeur, the City of Cultural Diversity

Tozeur, the capital of Tozeur Governorate in southwestern Tunisia, is characterized by a unique architectural style that attracts visitors at first glance. One can observe the extensive use of a local material known as "Qalb" in various public and private institutions, shops, and streets.

This material is a small-sized brick made from red and white clay produced locally, known for its ability to withstand the high temperatures experienced in the south during the summer.

The craft of making "Qalb" is a profession passed down through generations in the Jerid region of Tunisia due to the availability of large quantities of this environmentally friendly material.

While strolling through the streets and alleys of Tozeur, one discovers the richness of handicrafts displayed in the shops, from traditional colorful furnishings of various shapes and sizes to heritage garments like the "Qchabiya" and "Burnous", up to high-quality palm products, such as bags, baskets, and other distinctive handmade pieces.

For food lovers, Tozeur offers a unique opportunity to explore local cuisine, as visitors can find delight in the oasis of Tamaghza or the ancient village of Chebika in the heights of the mountains, where they may encounter one of the women preparing the hot "Matbakh", that delicious and spicy popular dish.

"Matbakh" is a thin bread stuffed with a mixture of onions, peppers, fat, and spices, cooked in a tagine, and it warms the body and energizes it, especially in the chilly southern atmosphere.

In the oasis of Tamaghza, the visit would not be complete without experiencing camel riding and taking souvenir photos near the cascading waterfall, while enjoying a cup of hot tea, whether "red" or "green".

When visiting the filming site of the Star Wars series in the "Neck of the Camel" area in the desert, visitors can taste the famous "Mella" bread, which is prepared right before them.

"Mella" is an authentic dish born from the Tunisian desert, and it was the main food of shepherds, as the dough is uniquely cooked in hot sand heated by the fire that blazes above it, often served with tea.

Douz, the City of Dates and Popular Cuisine

Known as the "Gateway to the Tunisian Desert," Douz is part of the Kebili Governorate at the heart of the south, and this city is the main center for producing the finest and most delicious types of dates in the country, the most notable of which is the soft golden "Daqla Nour" with its honey-like taste.

For enthusiasts of this food with immense health benefits, there is an opportunity to taste and even buy quantities of dates in Douz, where shop owners take pride in showcasing and selling them, whether arranged and stored in small boxes or left as they are on their bunches from producer to consumer.

After an enjoyable shopping tour, you will need to satisfy your hunger, and the popular restaurants in Douz offer you a variety of delicious traditional dishes at very reasonable prices.

Among the most famous of these dishes is "Meat in a Qalla," which is a dish of camel or sheep meat slow-cooked in a clay pot (Qalla) sealed with dough or aluminum, with some potatoes, onions, peppers, bay leaves, and a mixture of distinctive spices.

To enhance the delicious flavor, this dish is traditionally prepared over ash.

"Mahshi" Tataouine (Gazelle Horn)

While wandering through the lively and bustling streets of Tataouine, tourists will discover the simplicity and humility of its residents, compelling them to want to return again and again.

In the historic village of Chenini, built atop the mountains, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this warm welcome and sit in the village cafe with a cup of coffee or a delicious hot tea.

Among the old alleys of Chenini, local residents display their finely crafted handmade products, and one can take the opportunity to purchase everything from decorative items to furnishings, bags, umbrellas, and more. You'll notice the kindness of its people through their fair prices.

Do not leave the area without stopping by one of the shops specializing in selling the most famous of its sweets, "Mahshi Tataouine," which is a thin dough filled with ground nuts such as almonds and sesame, covered with "shour" (syrup), shaped like the horn (hook) of a gazelle.

Surely, on your return journey, you will uncover the mental peace and positive vibes left by your visit to Southern Tunisia, along with the beautiful memories that will stay with you and make you wish to revisit with your loved ones once again.

 

Source: Al-Jazeera