Tunisia

Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia is the northmost country of Africa, a strategic location and site for trade and commerce in the region. Contemporary Tunisian culture and identity are rooted in a centuries-long intersection of different cultures and ethnicities. First settled by Berbers, the land that is now Tunisia has been the site of immigration, invasion, or assimilation by various populations, from Phoenician/Carthaginians, Romans, and Vandals, to Arabs, Spanish (including many Spanish Muslims and Jews following the Reconquista), Ottoman Turks, and French. 

The official language of Tunisia is Arabic, often a local dialect called Tounsi. There is also a small minority of speakers of Berber languages. Although it has no official status, French still plays a major role in Tunisian society, and is used in education and  business.  

As you browse our store, look for examples of hand-painted ceramic dishware and planters made by Tunisian artisans.