Tunis....WSIS....Crisis....

This weekend there are news reports about the state of emergency in Tunisia. Watching the news,  I remembered the days I spent there in 2005 when I attended the WSIS conference as a panelist and also as a tourist. President Ben Ali (then!), hosted the UN sponsored WSIS summit with world class arrangements. I had the opportunity to discuss with professional Tunisian women on the constraints and opportunities they have in ICT. I was quite impressed by the freedom enjoyed by the women in this Islamic North African country compared to other Islamic countries. My impression was Tunisia could become a role model for other African countries especially for women educators, entrepreneurs and ICT professionals to deploy Information technology for economic growth and development. http://www.itrealms.com.ng/2005_08_01_archive.html

Now coming to the travels-  being a WSIS delegate I was given an ID and I had a reliable taxi arranged by the hotel. With all set for my adventure, I started off with the visit to Carthage. It is now a city with archaeological remains and one cannot wonder imagining the lost splendors of this great city. My driver cum guide pointed out an ancient form of Swastika symbol which was later copied by Hitler and became a symbol associated with his heinous crimes. Another important place to visit is the Murals Museum which has the largest collection of murals.

Tunis unfolds its history from the Phoenicians, to Romans, Greeks, and later Islamic caliphates. The Roman aqueducts, byzantine churches that are converted into museums, mosques, modern buildings and cobbled stone streets of the inner city (Medina) indeed are living pages of history. Some are tattered though!                                
The oldest mosque in North Africa is located in the Medina Area or the Islamic quarter of the old city. The bazaars spews out aroma of spices and vendors selling jewellery and crafts. I walked into the Mosque wearing the scarf but without knowing almost entered into the prayer hall! The kind guard graciously explained that women were not allowed inside and I can take pictures outside. He even offered to take a picture with the Imam!

A visit to Tunis is not complete without sipping a nice hot cup of Mint tea in the city cafe of this Mediterranean city and the beaches in Sidi Bou Said. This is now a UNESCO heritage site.
 The houses are painted with the beautiful turquoise blue and white reminding the Hellenistic roots. In the city center the palace was converted as a museum and one can marvel the beautiful tiles, murals and overall the architecture of the palace itself with its gorgeous hand crafted furniture and the decorated doors and windows.

After spending sometime in the beach and drank lots of mint tea and pastries made with almonds and dates I started my journey back to Tunis. My driver started telling me about the yonder desert and the Berber people, his village, oppression, poverty, life in Tunis and the unique culture. The beaches and the land played hide and seek. Mediterranean sea looked calm knowing all the secrets of rise and fall of the authority in all political and social forms and the tenacity of human beings to fight or fit and move on. Yes, this current crisis in Tunis will also pass!.

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.