We listened to an in-depth presentation on Tunisia's history as you traveled from Tunis. The guide detailed the destruction and rebuilding of Carthage by the Romans, the subsequent Vandal and Byzantine occupations, and the arrival of Islam in 670 AD. A key distinction was made between a 'Muslim country' and an 'Islamic country' based on legal structures. The discussion concluded with insights into Phoenician maritime engineering in Carthage and how Tunisia aligns its weekend with Europe for economic reasons.
The Punics were a mixture of Berbers and Phoenicians who inhabited the region. Carthage remained a "ghost city" for a century following its destruction in 146 BC. Julius Caesar ordered the rebuilding of Carthage in 46 BC as a smaller copy of Rome. Buildings were constructed with the same decorations but at half the size. This was intended as a message of humiliation to non-Romans. Carthage served as the "Granary of Rome," feeding the empire while paying higher taxes than Romans in Italy.
To gain independence from Rome, Carthaginians hired the Vandals as mercenaries. The Vandals subsequently occupied the area for 90 years, destroying cities and imposing heavy taxes. The Byzantines from Istanbul later liberated the area from the Vandals and ruled for two centuries. Subsequent waves of occupation included the Spanish, the Ottomans (for four centuries), and the French. The French protectorate lasted from 1881 to 1956. Post-independence, Tunisia shifted from a kingdom with 17 kings to a republic led by President Bourguiba.
Distinguishing Between Muslim and Islamic Countries
Tunisia is defined as a Muslim country rather than an Islamic country. In a Muslim country, the law and constitution are not derived directly from the Quran. An Islamic country uses laws based on human interpretations of the holy book. The lecturer noted that linguistic nuances in Arabic can drastically change the meaning of words. Historical interpretations by Sultans or Caliphs, such as the allowance of four wives, were often created to suit personal interests.
Evidence links the Phoenicians of Carthage to Lebanon through artifacts, gods like Baalhamun, and stone inscriptions. The Phoenicians were master boat builders who created highly sophisticated ports. A rectangular commercial harbor was dug 18 meters deep to hold 200 boats. A unique circular military harbor, the only one of its kind still existing, could hold 22 ships with three layers of rowers.
Modern Tunisian Economy and Schedule
Friday is the religious holy day for Muslims, but it is not the start of the weekend in Tunisia. The weekend is set as Saturday and Sunday to align with European markets. This choice facilitates trade, as most exports and imports involve European partners. Maintaining a different weekend would leave only three days for active international business.
The speaker's heritage is a blend of Andalusian and Berber cultures, reflecting the demographic history of the region. This mix of cultures created a unique "Tunisian table" where ancestral know-how is combined to create traditional cuisine. The speaker emphasizes that this culinary heritage belongs to everyone in the region and needs to be preserved for future generations.
The Turning Point: 2011 Revolution
During the 2011 Tunisian Revolution, the speaker realized the vulnerability of food security when shops and restaurants closed. While neighbors had nothing to eat, the speaker’s family had a traditional granary that allowed them to distribute food to others. This moment of community support and local resilience sparked the joy and inspiration to create a "feeding farm."
Transition to Sustainable Farming
In 2012, the speaker chose to quit a career as a mechanical engineer to start a small farm from scratch. The project focuses on producing food that can last for three years without preservatives, using traditional techniques to manage environmental uncertainty like lack of rain. Despite the initial struggle and the difficulty of leaving city life, the farm has become a reality, evolving from a simple olive grove into a lush garden and an educational hub.
The transition was a major life shift, involving the sale of a car and quitting a job just one week before his wedding. There was a significant emotional challenge in convincing his wife to move to a place that, at the time, looked like a "mess" with nothing but olive trees. The speaker reclaims the name "Jihad" in its true sense: a struggle to build something meaningful and protect cultural heritage.
The farm now serves as a model for "farm-to-table" dining and ecological education. Universities and schools visit the site to learn about microbiology, small-scale farming, and sustainable gardening. The business continues to expand as a family endeavor, with relatives managing different parts of the ancestral land to keep the tradition alive.
Jihad shared his deep connection to the land and his philosophy of sustainable agriculture. He explained traditional planting techniques, like the Carthaginian method for Mediterranean trees, and demonstrated how he uses companion planting with tomatoes and basil. He also discussed the financial freedom of avoiding bank loans to foster creativity in farming. The conversation moved through his home, touching on family history and Tunisian culture, before exploring the seasonal cycles of permaculture.
A traditional Mediterranean technique involves digging a large hole filled with layers of compost, soil, branches, and rocks. Rocks are used to cover the tree, keeping soil fresh in summer and warm in winter. This structure prevents soil compaction from rain and allows water to infiltrate slowly, boosting growth in dry climates.
Natural Growth vs. Forced Growth
Observations on tree development show that a tree's canopy reflects the spread of its roots; if a tree remains small, its root system is struggling. Environmental factors like sun and rain can wound fruit, yet it remains edible and part of the natural cycle.
Financial Freedom and Creative Integrity. Loans as a Trap for Creativity.
Jihad maintains a strict "no loan" policy, believing that debt kills creativity and independence. Relying on natural cycles in farming makes loans dangerous because agricultural output is random and dependent on nature, whereas bank payments are fixed. A philosophy of "earning before spending" is emphasized: only take a loan if it is a small fraction of what has already been earned.
Independence in Farming
You echoed Jihad's philosophy by explaining that your success in building low income housing in California was due to utilizing grants instead of loans. The freedom not to have to pay fixed costs meant that you could respond to varying income from rental income. Thus, you could respond to the need of the clients you housed, and not the needs of the banks.
The garden is divided into four sections to represent the four seasons and the stages of plant growth. A simple rule for seasonal eating: Winter: Eat roots (carrots, onions) as the plant stops growing above ground. Spring: Eat flowers (artichokes, strawberries). Summer: Eat fruits (tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins). Year-round: Leaves (lettuce, fennel) can be consumed throughout.
Crop Rotation and Soil Health
A four-year cycle is followed: seeds (fava beans) -> roots -> leaves -> fruit.🍉Fava beans are used as "workers" to provide nitrogen to the soil, preparing it for the next stage of the cycle. Permaculture is defined here as permanent agriculture without engines, focusing on soil oxygenation and natural insect management through herbs like rosemary.
Practical use of Tunisian house roofs for rainwater collection, stored in underground tankers for irrigation. Preservation of traditional tools, such as stone mills used for crushing wheat into semolina for couscous. The significance of the "sepseri" (white dress) in Tunisian culture as a symbol of modesty and tradition.
Herbal Reproduction.
Use of floating plates to root perennial basil, distinguishing it from common annual basil used in modern cooking. Strategic companion planting: growing basil with tomatoes to support the tomato vines and improve health.
The Spirit of the Farm. Communication with Nature.
Historical and Ancestral Connections
Religious and Cultural Syncretism
The discussion explores the history of the Moriscos and the complexities of identity during the Inquisition. Families who were "Christians by day and Muslims by night" to survive religious persecution. Mention of "crypto-Christians" or Jewish families who lost the memory of their origins but maintained specific rituals. This blending of identities is characterized by the phrase "God in my heart," used when outward appearances had to meet the expectations of observers. The group compares naming conventions across different regions. In Tunisia and Spain, names are tied to cities, origins, or religions (like the name Tarifa or Toledo). In contrast, Norwegian naming traditions often lacked last names until the 19th century. A participant shares how their family name was derived from a geographical feature on their farm, specifically a "black rock" at the entrance.
Staff will collect the luggage and bring it to the reception area for tagging. Backpacks can be transported by staff if placed on top of the suitcases. The flight is scheduled for takeoff at 07:00 with an arrival in Djerba at 08:00. Check-in will be handled as a group under the organizer's name for convenience. The organizer is planning a special surprise for the group upon arrival in Djerba. There is a warm, protective atmosphere as the organizer coordinates safety details with the driver. The conversation reflects a sense of excitement and organized care for the group's journey.
To see all of the photos taken today, click on Thursday, April 30th, Tunis, Tunisia.
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