Djerba has a world of its own thus providing to the travelers the extreme pleasure of winding themselves. The island of Djerba has many villages but no towns. There are only few towns in Djerba which are worth visiting- Houmt Souq, Midoun, Ajim and Guellala. In Djerba, you can enjoy the most magnificent weather enjoying a variety of sports. You can also sail to the island which is inhabited by pink Flamingos. Get yourself immersed in the exciting music of tambourines and flutes or get mystified by the “Gougou” dancers in Midoun. The very hospitable and friendly Djerba welcomes the tourists to have a close shove with ultra modern and traditional life-style of Djerban culture.
 Houmt Souq
Houmt Souq is very close to the sea and is mostly centred around the busy market. There are two main market areas; one is the vaulted suq which ends into a couple of squares which feature some outdoor cafés, whereas the other is for the foodstuffs only. The startling feature of the Houmt Souq is the funduqs which are stilled managed in old patterns. Houmt Souq also has little church and the mosque which is known as the Mosque of the Strangers.
Funduq is a perfect place to stay with vaulted rooms and the chalk-white arcade softens the whole environment. The doors of these rooms face towards the atrium which is decorated with green plants and colorful flowers and also feature a small pool. The atrium also has a restaurant with a live performance of the traditional music.
Borj el-Kebir
Borj el-Kebir, also known as Borj Ghazi Mustapha had been under the control of several commands. It first became the stronghold of the Romans but the credit of building the first fortress goes to the King of Sicily in 1289. Later it was transferred to the Spaniards. In 1560, they were driven away by the Ottoman Turks. The skulls of the Spanish were showcased inside a tower for more than 200 years. Now most of the parts of the fort were again built by the Ottomans and therefore much of the Sicilian history cannot be traced in the fort.
The Ghriba Synagogue
The Griba Synagogue is one of the central places of service of Jews in North Africa. It is just located out of the centre to the east of the community. It has been considered to be a holy place for the Jews for more than 1400 years. It is the place where many miracles were performed when the Synagogue was built. The present buildings of the Synagogue are not more than 75 years and have been abode to many pilgrims visiting Djerba. The Synagogue can also be visited by the non-Jews too, and they should leave a small gift on their visit. The interior of the Synagogue is more colorful compared to the moderate exterior designs. It is believed that the inner sanctuary of the Synagogue preserves the oldest Torahs.
The Jews of Djerba are considered to be more conservative when compared to the others Jews all over the world. They usually wear Kippahs on their visit to the Synagogue.
Hara Kbira
Hara Kbira has as many as 11 synagogues and the Jewish are the main part of the population in this area. Walking in this area, you will get to realize that it is not substantially a tourist place but a place where people work. Most of the doorways in Hara Kbira have signs painted color in blue to protect the family against all evils. The signs vary from fish, hands to candelabras.
Lonely Mosque
The Lonely Mosque is located next to the sea. It is quite strange as most of the mosques usually are situated in the centre of the village or town. But the Lonely Mosque stands which is around 500 years old and is surrounded by palm trees and the sea.
Mosque of the Turkish Mother
The Turkish is a small but a beautiful mosque located just 5 metres away from the Gaz Station. The minaret of the mosque is not more than 5-6 metres and everything in the mosque is whitewashed. The walls of the mosque are soft almost tends to look as a cream covered cake.
About 200 metres from the Turkish Mosque is the El May village which is quite busy. The marketplace in El May is small and charming.
Jama’ Fadloud
Jama’ Fadloud is just few distance away from Midoun and is therefore not much in use. You can explore the interiors of the Mosque. The Mosque does not have any mosaics or colors. It has simple white walls and vault without any decoration. The section in the wall which indicates the direction towards the Medina is also left unadorned.
Jama’ Ghizen
Jama’ Ghizen is just few distance away from the northern coast and is centrally located amidst the small village surrounded by the palm trees. The minaret of the Jama’ Ghizen display a unique combination of Jerba’s coned roof and the standard Tunisian pointed roof.
Jama’ Mastiri
Jama’ Mastiri does not seem to be a mosque due to its structure. Most of the structures of this Mosque are impious but there is one minaret that points to the sky. The minaret is too small to be called one. However, over the minaret a light bulb has been installed emphasizing it to be one.
Jama’ Mazline
Jama’ Mazline is just half way between Jama’ Fadloud and Jama’ Tajdid and is considered to be the smallest mosque in Djerba that you will come across.
Jama’ Mezraya
Jama’ Mezraya lies just before Midoun and is popular in compared to other mosques. The mosque is a perfect mixture of both Jerba mosque structures and the Tunisian minaret.
Jama’ Tajdid
Jama’ Tajdid is the most visited mosque and is particularly famous due to its location. It is not on the main road but is situated out in the fields surrounded by trees. The dirty tracks lead to the mosque. It is open only for the services and not for tourists. You can be lucky if you can make your way through even to the open air courtyard.
Midoun
The best time to visit Midoun is in between November and January. The main feature of the Midoun is the underground construction where olive oil is produced during the winters. It was once also famous for olive oil press which was functioned with camels walking around in circles. The visitors are welcomed by the vendors in any souvenir shops. The weekly Friday market also gives a true picture of the traditional life of the place.
Aghir
Aghir is one of the wonderful beaches of Tunisia. The beach is divided into two zones and one of them is open for all. The beach is streamlined by a string of hotels, cafés and hole-in-the-wall shops. People visit the beach, camp, swim and enjoy other activities. Little distance away is the closed beach of white and posh hotels.
Ajim
The most fascinating view that you get to see in Ajim is that of fishermen throwing ceramic pots into the sea in the evening and finding hiding octopuses in it. Fishermen also hunt for the sponges. The sponges which are of high quality are sold in high prices in Houmt Souq. You should be careful while swimming in the waters as you might fall into some large jellyfish.
Guellala
Guellala is famous for potteries in Djerba. The main attraction in Guellala is the main street which has only one souvenir stall which sells accurate paintings. The stall also tells how the ceramics were built in this town. You do not have to bargain too much as the prices of the ceramics is very simple. The people managing the shop are very friendly and delightfully show the various sections of the workshop and if you leave the shop without buying things they do not feel bad about it, instead wish you a friendly good-bye. If you have enough time, you see the demonstration of magic camels which is a mug with a spout as a camel’s head having hole in the bottom and the top. The strange characteristic of the mug is that on pouring water into one hole, the water does not leak out when the camel is turned.
The beach
The beach in Djerba is mainly visited by the Germans and therefore it has become a relaxing base with lots of pleasures to enjoy. Every hotel close to the beach area has at least one restaurant, bar and discotheque as well as animators who amuse the tourists visiting the place. In the beach you can enjoy the Tunisian folklore, jokes and aerobic and various other curriculum activities.
Getting Around
In Houmt Souq, you can get the service of shared taxis and buses. The buses and the small taxis are cheap. But if you want to enjoy motorbike ride, renting it would be a little expensive. The best and the easiest way to get around in the island is by bicycle because of the flatness of the island. |