Dying Cultures of Tunisia
Tunisia has been the crossroads for trade between Europe and North Africa for several millennia, with a key geographical location on the Mediterranean. It has had influence from Carthaginians, Romans, Vandal, Jewish, Christian, Arab, Islamic, Turkish, French and Amazigh (Berber) cultures. Carthage, the main thriving city in Tunisia at the time, was founded in 816 BC. After being destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC, Tunisia had heavy Roman influence for the next few centuries. The Arab Islamic conquest transformed the country, similar to the rest of North Africa. Tunisia was occupied by the Ottoman Empire, then by the French Protectorate. Although the Berbers are natives of Tunisia, their populations have continued to dwindle. Variation of culture based on ancient influence can be seen in the food. A typical meal could consist of cheeses and French croissants.
Although the Tunisian Constitution provides freedom of thoughts and beliefs, 99% of the population consists of Sunni Muslims. Christianity and Judaism have been gradually losing popularity over the course of Tunisia’s history. Although most main other languages other than Arabic have dwindled, the Arabic language has absorbed different sayings from other languages in Tunisia to make a completely different dialect. Tunisia is known for its exceptional pottery, iron working and weaving. These crafts are slowly dying, and more people are picking higher paying jobs. As the country continues to develop, its people will continue to separate from their own culture and more so adopt the culture of the entirety of the country. Although probably for the better of the nation itself, culture does most definitely serve value in the lives of the people of Tunisia
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Tunisia#Hamsa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Carthage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire