Tozeur is an oasis and a city in south west Tunisia. The city is located North West of Chott el-Djerid, in between this Chott and the smaller Chott el-Gharsa. Tozeur town’s old quarter is a small maze of fascinating and intricate brickwork walls, archways and houses. The perfect location for holidays discovering southern Tunisia.
Tozeur is very much a city relying on tourism, but everything is done in a tasteful manner. Early developers understood that it was the traditions and culture that represented the possibilities for the future. While agriculture remains an important income, tourism employs a large part of the 40,000 inhabitants. But it is not only the lifestyle and the specific architecture of Tozeur, that bring tourists out here. The city is well situated at the fringe of the seasonal large lake Chott el Jerid, allowing visits into the Sahara, as well as to many other smaller settlements.
The history of Tozeur goes back a couple thousand years. Through most of its history has been autonomous, and beyond the direct control of Tunisian rulers. With the arrival of the French protectorate, no place in the country resisted new lifestyles and education more than Tozeur.
Houses of Tozeur are decorated with rectangular yellow bricks arranged in patterns. The result is one of the most distinct and beautiful architectural styles of Tunisia. What is even better, is that all new houses implement the same style. If you see a construction site, you will see that load-bearing walls are made in common concrete, and the yellow bricks are added just as decoration.
This almost metropolitan city has surprisingly many bicycles,- very rare in Tunisia, and quite a number of women in black veils covering everything. Note the use of white and black ribbons on their cloaks, blue is married, white is unmarried.
The Medina, the old city, of Tozeur is where you will find the most historic and beautiful buildings, some are magnificent in their detail but most are more humble but still stand distinctive and proud: integral parts of the city that have stood for hundreds of years.
From Tozeur you can also reach the Sahara easily, by Camel if you wish;. There are a wide number of different tours which may take in a number of Saharan villages nearby as well as the Palmaries. Though not for everyone those with an interest in film will love visiting the scene of much of Star wars:
A New Hope’s filming for scenes set of Tatooine which has been used for subsequent Star Wars films as well. For those accompanying Star Wars fans the sites in the dessert are themselves breath-taking and well worth a visit. Another breath-taking site is the dry lake: vast and barren yet picturesque a causeway across the lake is the best place to take photos from.
Tozeur’s zoo features many animals from north and sub Saharan Africa as well as the Sahara itself and may be worth a visit. The Hamman, A North African version of a Turkish Bath, is also worth visiting for a different yet relaxing experience, though you will need to remember your swimsuit and a towel and soap.
Food and Drink
Camels as well as being available to ride from Tozeur are also available to eat along with other traditional Tunisian food such as Cous Cous and lamb kebabs and steaks. Alcohol is only available from a small number of hotel bars but non alcoholic beers are widely available and may be a better option anyway in the heat of the dessert
Tozeur is very much a city relying on tourism, but everything is done in a tasteful manner. Early developers understood that it was the traditions and culture that represented the possibilities for the future. While agriculture remains an important income, tourism employs a large part of the 40,000 inhabitants. But it is not only the lifestyle and the specific architecture of Tozeur, that bring tourists out here. The city is well situated at the fringe of the seasonal large lake Chott el Jerid, allowing visits into the Sahara, as well as to many other smaller settlements.
The history of Tozeur goes back a couple thousand years. Through most of its history has been autonomous, and beyond the direct control of Tunisian rulers. With the arrival of the French protectorate, no place in the country resisted new lifestyles and education more than Tozeur.
This almost metropolitan city has surprisingly many bicycles,- very rare in Tunisia, and quite a number of women in black veils covering everything. Note the use of white and black ribbons on their cloaks, blue is married, white is unmarried.
The Medina, the old city, of Tozeur is where you will find the most historic and beautiful buildings, some are magnificent in their detail but most are more humble but still stand distinctive and proud: integral parts of the city that have stood for hundreds of years.
From Tozeur you can also reach the Sahara easily, by Camel if you wish;. There are a wide number of different tours which may take in a number of Saharan villages nearby as well as the Palmaries. Though not for everyone those with an interest in film will love visiting the scene of much of Star wars:
Tozeur’s zoo features many animals from north and sub Saharan Africa as well as the Sahara itself and may be worth a visit. The Hamman, A North African version of a Turkish Bath, is also worth visiting for a different yet relaxing experience, though you will need to remember your swimsuit and a towel and soap.
Food and Drink
Camels as well as being available to ride from Tozeur are also available to eat along with other traditional Tunisian food such as Cous Cous and lamb kebabs and steaks. Alcohol is only available from a small number of hotel bars but non alcoholic beers are widely available and may be a better option anyway in the heat of the dessert
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