One of the highlights of my visit was a trip to the ruins of Carthage. It was founded during the 8th century BC, and was heavily influenced by Greek and Roman civilizations. From what I saw, their architecture and roads were more sophisticated and robust over 2000 years ago than Mali’s is now. They had grand temples, government buildings, and a sophisticated navy. See pictures here.
Hannibal was a Carthaginian general, one of the most famous military commanders in history. Using North African elephants, he went through Spain and over the Pyrenees and the Alps into Italy, where he almost defeated the Roman Empire. Consequently, Rome launched an offensive against Carthage, where there orders were not to ‘leave a stone upon a stone’. The results are essentially what I saw, and you can see in my pictures.
On a more personal note, almost everyone was very friendly. I struck-up casual conversations with several people, who responded with smiling faces as well as interesting stories and information. On their rail system which I used extensively to travel, people would come up and greet me very cordially.
Tunisia is 98% Moslem, and it is a secular state. There is actually a law in place which bans the wearing of women wearing head scarves, or hijabs, at work. I met a chanter outside of a mosque one day. He sings out the call to prayer each morning. His face lit up as he exclaimed what a beautiful day it was, and how the light pours from his heart, and it does from everyone’s’ hearts.
One of the reasons for Tunisia’s / Carthage’s success is their entrepreneurship. They are excellent business people and traders. One of the ancient businesses is rug making. After a particularly excellent presentation and demonstration, I purchased 2 rugs from a businessman. His name is Taarit Ahmed, and I have his contact information if anyone would like to buy a rug from him. He will ship to the USA, he accepts all credit cards, and he has an excellent reputation. He comes from an ancient family of businessmen, and he has a great variety of woven and knotted rugs.
I got a chance to go into a house that used to belong to a sultan. I sat on his royal bed, where he normally rested with his 4 wives. (I can dream, can’t I?) I also went up to the roof, which has the highest view in the Medina, or the original, ancient walled part of Tunis.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet some our brothers & sisters in North Africa and to be introduced to their fine culture.