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Forging a unique friendship
THE MARCH 22 visit of the Ambassador of Tunisia in New Delhi, Eliyes Kasri and his wife, turns the spotlight on a little known but important country in North West Africa.
Tunisia, wedged between Algeria and Libya, is a successful democracy. The largely Islamic nation considered a gateway to Europe, found itself in an important position on the ancient silk route. Home to a great heritage of textiles, mosaics and performing arts,
for the people of the arid Maghreb lands, textiles were more than just a simple necessity of life. They were a means of creative expression, a way of recording their rapport with Nature, using indigenous material and natural colours. The result is a harmonious and highly developed art form. The long coasts, low relief and vast plains left the country vulnerable to foreign invasion. The Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Turks all entered North Africa through Tunisia and the history of the small country reflects the struggle of the great powers in the Mediterranean region.
In the summer of 202 BC, on the battlefield of Zama in Central Tunisia, the Roman legions defeated the forces of Carthage under Hannibal, thus assuring Rome's hold over the Mediterranean and the ancient world for the next five centuries.
Although it took another two centuries for Rome to pacify Africa Proconsularis (modern day Tunisia), the wealth of the new province supplied Rome with 2/3 of its grain and 1/3 of its senators. A wealth witnessed by the scores of ruined Roman towns with their magnificent temples, baths and mosaic-strewn villas.
There were more Roman mosaics in Tunisia than anywhere else in the Roman Empire. Many are left in situ or in Tunisia's museums. Tunisia has been culturally active, testified by its museums and the various international festivals held throughout the year.
Sustained efforts have been made to promote the cultural sector. The Heritage Code grants companies important tax breaks to encourage investments in restoration and protection of archaeological monuments (e.g. Cathedral of Carthage), promulgation of legal texts allows free importation of books and paper destined for cultural purposes and the exemption from customs duties on musical instruments.
The population of Tunisia is approximately 9.6 million. Arab, Berber, African, and European influences have helped shape the nation's unique cultural identity. A majority of the population is Muslim, and the official religion is Sunni Islam. Christian and Jewish communities practise their faith freely and contribute to Tunisia's rich cultural diversity.
Now, Chennai's jewellers and cloth merchants trade with Tunisia and have formed a long-term bond with the country.
During his visit to Chennai on March 22, Eliyes Kasri will address a meeting of the Indo-Tunisia Friendship Association.
V.R.DEVIKA
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