Market in Houmt souk of Djerba. Holidays in Houmt Souk, best prices for tours in Houmt Souk

— Just married?

- Yes Yes...Yes Yes (we have been married for 1.5 years, but we are still on our honeymoon)

Well, since you asked, it will probably be a luxurious room with a good view. Never been so wrong. They gave me the keys to a disgusting room, for example: the water in the shower did not drain, the furniture was old, someone mistakenly called the phone twice at night, etc. Then, after inspecting the room, we went to dinner: there were a lot of people, the waiters were not approaching, we had to run to the room on our own everyone and beg for something, either cutlery, bottled water, or something else. After dinner, upset, we decided to go to bed, since “the morning is wiser than the evening.” Getting up in the morning in a good mood, the first thing we did was run to the reception to change our room, fortunately, the reception service fulfilled our request right away. This time the room was much better than the previous one: a spacious room, newer furniture, a much better bathroom and a good view from the balcony. The only thing we are willing to give a bad rating for is cleaning. They cleaned disgustingly, we constantly had to show where they hadn’t cleaned/swept, what was missing, at first we tried to give tips in hand - it was useless, we complained to the administrators - it was useless, soon we gave up and stopped leaving tips. After moving in, we went to breakfast and the impressions were completely different: friendly waiters, many free seats (on the terrace or inside the restaurant) and a varied breakfast menu. After breakfast we decided to take a closer look at the hotel. It is worth noting that the territory is almost an entire microdistrict: a huge main building with a beautiful hall, many bungalows, several swimming pools, many restaurants, bars and even a hookah bar. The hotel has the first coastline and its own beach with fine and white sand. The sea, by the way, is very clean and transparent, but there was a small problem - a lot of algae accumulated during the night, and every morning the hotel staff promptly cleaned the beach with the help of equipment. The animation in the hotel is simply superb, 100 points out of 100. I was lucky enough to take part in the “Mr. Hotel” competition (this competition was held once every two weeks), in addition, we took part in a variety of entertainment, archery, played golf, did gymnastics, sometimes we won prizes (every evening before the next show we were awarded certificates, a small thing, but nice). And also, before dinner, we always participated in competitions from the hotel, the winners received valuable prizes (souvenir plates, a ride on ATVs/jet skis, a session in the SPA, etc.), I was also lucky enough to win a valuable prize - a ride on ATVs.

As for food for lunch and dinner. The menu is varied, there are few times when something is repeated. There was everything: crabs, cream soups, pasta and sauces, baked goods, delicacies, salads, roasts, pilaf, fish, fruits, ice cream, donuts, pizza, pancakes, various alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, etc. Nevertheless, we We made sure that on the first day we arrived at the very end of closing, which is why we had a bad impression.

All routes for tourists visiting Tunisia lead to the sunny island of Djerba, where people sunbathe and swim all year round. The ancient history of Djerba is glorified by the same ancient myths, and the island became famous thanks to the sea vagrants of the Phoenicians, who stocked up on purple dye here.
The island belonged to the Carthaginians and Romans, the founders of a stone road that stretched from the city of Zarzis on the continent to the island along a narrow isthmus. Djerba was inhabited by Berbers, Jews, Turks, Silicians, Spaniards and Normans. Historical monuments of antiquity have been preserved about their stay, including the Djerba mosques and ancient residential buildings-menzels.

Sights of the island of Djerba

In 1560, the pirate Drogut Reis erected the terrible Borj al-Rus tower. Five thousand skulls of Christian adherents who fought the pirates went into its construction.
The main town of the island is Houmt Souk, which translates as “shopping quarter”. The streets of the Medina are full of life thanks to the inns. While visiting the old quarters, you can go to the three mosques of Djerba, which were erected in different eras by different peoples inhabiting the island. The Turks built the Eh Sheikh Mosque, Jamaa Ettruk. The fortress of Borj Gazi Mustafa is also located here. The construction of the Museum, located in the building of the mausoleum of an Islamic saint, dates back to the 17th century. The exhibitions tell about folk art and traditions, knowledge of the people. In the vicinity of Khumit Suqi there is the famous Abu Messwer Mosque.
The ensemble of Djerba mosques is complemented by the famous landmark of the city of Houmt Souk - the Jamaa al-Gorba mosque. It is called a mosque for foreigners. All three ancient buildings were built with decoration and architecture influenced by different religious movements.
Tourists always strive to visit each of the mosques because of its historical value. In 717 according to the Christian calendar (according to the Hijri - in 93), Malik ibn Anas ibn Amir, the founder of Malekism, an Islamic movement, was born in Medina. The ancient Jamaa al-Ghorba mosque in Djerba was named in his honor by his followers.
A feature of the ancient architectural landscape of Houmt Souk is square menzels with domes instead of roofs. This view is complemented by the Jamaa al-Ghorba Mosque with its ancient buildings.

Capital of the island of Djerba

The capital of the island of Djerba, Houmt Souk, with 64,000 inhabitants, is called the “big bazaar” with the small mosque of Jamaa al-Ghorba in Djerba. Followers of Sheikh Malik ibn Anas come here to pay tribute to his memory. The narrow streets become even more crowded due to the abundance of tourists.
The oldest European settlement opens to visitors the ancient synagogue of Djerba, like the Jamaa al-Ghorba mosque, one of the main monasteries for Jewish believers, which has become a landmark of the island, as well as fonduks - formerly inns where wanderers and traders of the Ottoman era settled . Now tourists are interested in the stunning view from the Borj al-Kebir fortress, built in the 13th century.
Along Mohammed Ferjani Street you can get to Hedi Shaker Square. Nearby there is a market with a Turkish mosque. Tourists do not forget to visit the tomb (zaouya) of Sidi Brahim, located on the street of Moncef Bey.
Local residents are proud of the sights of the island and the capital, but not only the Jamaa al-Ghorba mosque, where followers of Malekism pray, but also the ancient square, named after Sidi Brahim, the Mosque of the Wanderers.

Houmt Souk is a city located on the island of Djerba in Tunisia. It is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Climate: Mediterranean, mild. The average temperature in July is +28 degrees.

Transport

The city has developed ferry and bus services. In general, you can move around the territory on foot.

Attractions

In the labyrinths of the old city you can see 3 mosques: Eh Sheikh, Jamaa el-Ghorba, Jamaa Ettruk. Also worthy of attention is the exposition of the local history museum, which displays jewelry, traditional outfits of local residents, samples of ceramics and wood carvings.

Entertainment

For entertainment, we recommend visiting golf clubs, discos, bars, and going on an excursion.

Hotels

Local hotels have all the conditions for a good rest. On their territory there are shops, fitness centers, nightclubs, restaurants, beauty salons, swimming pools, saunas.

Restaurants

In restaurants you will be offered to try fish and meat dishes, and will also be treated to palm milk, desserts made from honey and dates, cactus fruits, and green tea with mint.

The shops

In the center of Houmt Souk there is a market square where you can buy jewelry, exotic souvenirs, cosmetics, fruits and other goods. You can and should bargain.

The article tells you point by point about the main nuances that a traveler planning a vacation on the island of Djerba should know. Read and remember!

For travelers, the island of Djerba is truly a fabulous place. Just imagine, pink sand under your feet, a stunning view of the sea in front, and olive and date trees growing behind you. By visiting this island in Tunisia, you can get acquainted with the culture and life of the local population, see the sights, visit spa centers and, of course, swim in the sea.

Where is the island of Djerba on the map of Tunisia

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

Climate on the island of Djerba

The climate on the island of Djerba is continental, with warm winters and hot summers. In winter, the average air temperature is +12 C° - +15 C°. This time is perfect for excursion holidays and for those who want to engage in thalassotherapy. These are health treatments using seafood products. All kinds of algae, water and dirt.

In summer, the air temperature rises to + 30 C° - +33 C° during the day, and +20 C° - + 25 C° at night. The average water temperature during this period is +26 C° - +28 C°. It is very comfortable in autumn. For example, the temperature stays around 27 C°.

Attractions

El Ghriba Synagogue in Riyadh– is considered one of the ancient synagogues in the world, its age is more than 2000 years. Every year, pilgrims come to the synagogue to worship the shrine and see one of the ancient Torah Scrolls. Also in the synagogue are the relics of Shimon Bar Yashai, he was one of the authors of the Talmud.

Gellala village famous for its pottery masters. Walking through the streets of the village, you might think that you are in an art gallery, as beautifully painted plates, jugs, and handmade cups are “looking at you” from all sides. The product you like best can be purchased as a gift.

Every year the village hosts pottery festival, where you can see the works of the best masters.

Crocodile farm is a farm-reserve where crocodiles are bred. The first crocodiles were brought to the island from Madagascar; gradually they got used to the local climate and began to reproduce. Today there are about 400 crocodiles on the farm. Anyone can feed this ancient animal. You can observe the life of crocodiles from special bridges.

Museum of Folk Traditions in Gellale– museum visitors will be able to see small scenes from the life of the island’s inhabitants and get in touch with their way of life. In one of the halls you can see how they bake bread, or prepare food, weave national clothes, or get ready to taste tea. In another room, various wedding robes of brides are presented, from the poorest dress to the most expensive and luxurious, and many other exhibits.

Next to the museum there is a workshop where you can see the process of producing olive oil from start to finish.

Djerba Lagoon It is notable for the fact that in this beautiful place, where date palms and olive trees grow nearby, large flocks of amazing birds, Pink Flamingos, gather. Most of these “beauties” fly to the island to wait out the winter and feast on mollusks, crustaceans and other food.

The lagoon is also famous for the fact that surfing enthusiasts gather here. Since a fairly strong wind blows in the northeast of the island, creating waves that are loved by surfers.

Gazi Mustafa Fortress was built to protect the surrounding area from pirate attacks. And it performed its function perfectly until it was attacked by the cruel pirate Draguta Reis, who massacred the entire garrison of the fortress. And from the heads of the dead he built a large pyramid. This terrible pyramid stood until 1848, until the French dismantled it. Today, on this site there is a monument that recalls the terrible crime of the pirate.

You can also go on an excursion from the island to the most majestic Sahara desert, of course, accompanied by an experienced tour guide.

Where to stay on the island of Djerba

Most of the hotels are located in the northern and western parts of the island, as well as in the towns of Houmt Souk and Midoun.

Most popular hotels:

1. Riu Palace Royal Garden 5*;
2. Sensimar Palm Beach Palace 5*.

More economical hotels include:

1. Les jardins de Toumana 4*;
2. SunConnect Djerba Aqua Resort 4*;
3. Sentido Djerba Beach 4*;
4. Club Magic Life Penelope Beach Imperial 4*;
5. Miramar Petit Palais 3*.

Hotels with thalassotherapy facilities in the Midoun resort:

1. Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso 5*;
2. Yadis Djerba Golf Thalasso & Spa 5*;
3. Radisson Blu Ulysse Resort & Thalasso Djerba 5*.
4. Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa & Spa 5* - in the city of Houmt Souk.

Customs restrictions

Citizens of the Russian Federation may not apply for a visa to enter the Arab state of Tunisia if they stay in the country for no more than 90 days.

There are customs restrictions when entering Tunisia:
1. You cannot import or export from the country:

• It is prohibited to export local currency.
• It is prohibited to import narcotic substances.

2. Import is allowed:

• One bottle of alcohol.
• Perfumes and personal items.
• Foreign currency.

Advice: if you take valuable items made of gold or silver, carpets, etc. out of the country, you must have a receipt or certificate with you confirming the authenticity of the products.

Souvenirs and gifts in Tunisia

A holiday on the island of Djerba is impossible without, many will probably want to take with them a piece that will remind them of a pleasant trip.

A bottle of olive oil would be an excellent gift and souvenir. New harvest oil is best purchased in late autumn. The best oil is considered Extra Virgin, Cold First Press. One of these inscriptions should be on the olive oil label.

A bottle of Tunisian wine, from French vineyards that were planted in colonial times. The most popular brands are Magon, Muscat de Kelibia, Chateau Mornag Rose.

Many housewives will be happy to purchase spices and national Harris sauce, which is made from pepper, garlic, spices and olive oil.

Advice, it is best to buy spices by weight, so you can see their quality and feel the wonderful aroma.

Handmade gold and silver jewelry in ancient Byzantine or Arabic style.

An original gift would be the Desert Rose flower. This amazing flower “grows” in the Sahara Desert. It is formed by sand and rain. Sometimes Locals paint roses in different colors, blue, red, etc.

Handmade ceramics can be beautifully designed plates, jugs, cups and much more.

Advice, when transporting these beautiful things, it is important to know that they are very fragile. Therefore, it is best to carefully wrap all ceramic products and place them in your hand luggage.

You can also bring dates, cactus fruits and pomegranates, olives and dried vegetables from the island of Djerba. For sweets, delicious halva, and for coffee connoisseurs this aromatic drink. Many women will be happy with rose water and perfume.

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The small, mythical island of Djerba, framed by palm trees, is beautiful, but there are many tourists here who flock not only to relax on the wonderful beaches, but also to explore the unique houses and mosques. The island has many date farms and olive groves. Whitewashed mosques with strong walls (this is unusual for Tunisia) shine under the bright rays of the sun. Cycling around the island is an excellent way to experience its charm.

Fishing flourishes in Djerba, and fish are still caught using traditional methods. In the port you can see long rows of terracotta pots strung on string, each in the shape of a turnip and about 45 cm high. At the top of each pot there is a string tied around the rim. Fishermen leave the pots tied to one another in the sea several miles from the coast. For some inexplicable reason, these pots literally attract octopuses - they have been caught this way since the Phoenicians discovered this method of fishing 3,000 years ago.

The island of Djerba is connected to the mainland by a 6.5 km long causeway, which is believed to remain from Roman times. They say that this island is the very mysterious place where Odysseus met lotus eaters, “lotus eaters.” Unlike Odysseus, many of the vacationers who have ever visited Djerba come here again. The climate here is very pleasant, the people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful and extensive, and far from the coast, despite all the pressure of seaside mass tourism, traditional provincial Tunisia is still preserved. Water supply is now provided by two main pipelines coming from the mainland.

Djerba and its population followed a different development path than the rest of Tunisia. As on the mainland, Djerba was initially inhabited exclusively by Berbers. But, unlike other regions of Tunisia, the Arab conquerors were unable to either displace or assimilate the local tribes. The Berbers of Djerba belong to a special Islamic religious community - the Ibadis. They reject any entertainment and luxury, lead a very modest and unpretentious lifestyle and do not build large mosques for themselves. Families gather for prayer in simple rural chapels in their own farmsteads (menzelach).

The architecture of the Ibadis of Djerba is also different from what we see in the cities. Menzels and mosques are built of clay and whitewashed on the outside. Each such structure is like a small fortress: it is surrounded by high walls and has a reservoir into which water from scanty rains is collected. A soft building material does not allow for straight lines or right angles, and therefore architectural forms appear very soft, fluid and alive.

The most striking feature of the Ibadis is their tendency to live as “individuals.” The local peasants never settled in villages, but built their menzels at a considerable distance from their neighbors. And, as a result, there have never been large cities on the island. And those that exist today arose from the bazaars where traders from the mainland settled. This method of settlement is also surprising because Djerba was endlessly subjected to threats and attacks: after the Arab conquest (VII century) the Normans followed (XII century) and the Spaniards (XVI century). Then pirates, supported by the Ottomans, settled on the island. All the conquerors tried to settle on the coast, but almost no one touched the Ibadis, who lived in the center of the island.

Two towns, Hara Segira and Hara Kebira, were founded by Jews who are believed to have settled in Djerba as early as the 6th century BC. e. Written references to the Jewish community on the island of Djerba have been known since the 11th century.

Houmt Souk

Houmt Souk (Houmt Souk) is the capital of the island, and for a long time it was the only large settlement on Djerba. The market was held here, hence the name houmt souk, “market quarter”. Despite all its importance for trade, these days this bazaar occupies a rather modest area. When Djerba residents go shopping, they prefer modern shops or the Libyan Market on the outskirts of town, where they sell a mixture of second-hand goods and bootleg goods.

It is best to enter the bazaar from the east side, from Abdel Hamid el-Qadi Street (Rue Abdel Hamid el-Khadi). Two mosques flank the narrow entrance to the Old City. Foreigners Mosque (Mosquee des Etrangers) with a square minaret and white domes over the prayer hall, as its name implies, it was intended for the “newcomers” visiting Khumt Souk.

Opposite it stands the Ibrahim el-Jemni Mosque, founded in 1674. (Ibrahim el-Jemni), with its own hammam located a few steps away. Along a narrow alley you can go to the pretty Hedi Shaker Square (Place Hedi Chucker) and further to Farhat Hashed Square (Place Farhat Hached), where cafes and restaurants await guests between blooming bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes. On the way you will meet caravanserais (foundouk), for which Houmt Souk is so famous. Traders used to stay in caravanserais: goods and pack animals were placed on the first floor, and rooms for guests were on the second. Today, in hotels such as the Er-Riadh or the Touring Club, you can taste this caravanserai atmosphere - provided you are willing to give up the shower in your room.

To the north of both squares lies the bazaar (Souk), partly indoors, where you can find many jewelry shops. From time immemorial, residents of Djerba of Jewish origin have worked with gold, because the Berbers consider this metal unclean. In addition to jewelry, the bazaar sells woven carpets, pottery and clothing, but all at fairly high prices. If you come here in the morning, you can get to the fish auction. Freshly caught fish are praised at the top of their voices, the seller holds a whole bunch of them high above his head, resellers jostle, offer prices, and shout.

At the northern end of the bazaar, near Arisha Square (Place Arisha) another caravanserai and a Catholic church will be discovered, in which services have now been resumed.

Tayeb Mhiri Street (Rue Taieb M"hiri) leads past the seven domes and round minaret of the Turkish Mosque (Jamaa et Trouk) to the northern outskirts of Houmt Souk and towards the port. Here, dominating everything, rises the fort of Ghazi Mustafa (Fort Ghazi Mustapha), built in the 15th century on Roman foundations. It served as the scene of one of the most terrible atrocities of the notorious corsair Dragut, who began his career in the service of the Ottomans, but soon broke away and terrorized his Mediterranean neighbors with his fleet. In 1560, when Dragut stormed this fortress, about 6,000 Spaniards took refuge in the fort. They were captured and beheaded. From their skulls, Dragut ordered to build an ominous tower in front of the fort, which travelers talked about back in the 19th century. The obelisk reminds us of this today.

Opposite and diagonally there is the Haroun restaurant, which used to be considered the best in Djerba. You can have a great time here, but the price and quality clearly do not correspond to each other. The same “Nagoip” organizes excursion trips to Flamingo Island (lie des Flamants). On this peninsula, camp tablecloths are laid out and Tunisian delicacies are served, while flamingos serenely wander through the water, looking for food at the bottom.

It will be very interesting to visit the Houmt Souqa Museum, located in the halls of the zawiya on Abdel-Hamid el-Qadi Street. The Zawiya is the religious center of the Muslim community. Most often, a zawiya consists of the tomb of its founder, a mosque and premises where pilgrims can stay. The museum displays traditional clothing and wonderful jewelry from Djerba. In the kubba - mausoleum, where two saints are buried at once, one is amazed by the completely unique design of the dome made of cylindrical ceramic tubes inserted into each other.

Hotel zones

Hotels are concentrated on the north-eastern promontory of Djerba around the cape of Ras Tagernes (Ras Taguerness).

Heading west from the Cape Lighthouse (the entrance to which is closed) Sidi Mahres beach extends (Plage de Sidi Mahres), to the south, hotels and restaurants line Segia Beach (Plage de la Seguia) towards Agir (Aghir). Hotel guests can find endless sandy beaches everywhere. There are a couple of rocky areas on Segia beach, and the beach itself is not as wide as Sidi Mahres. Closer to the hotels, high sand dunes form a natural protective wall against the frequent winds blowing from the sea.

At the foot of the lighthouse there is a shallow lagoon where many seabirds gather and where it is very good to walk and watch our feathered brothers.

Equally close to the lighthouse is an excellent golf course, a green, slightly uneven 27-hole course where beginners can take an introductory course for a small fee. In addition, there is a large casino here.

The latest in island entertainment is Djerba Explore. (next to the lighthouse), representing architecture, culture (at the Lalla Hadria Museum) and the way of life of the Ibadis. Cafes and souvenir shops add some variety to a walk through the recreated Djerba Heritage village with its traditional houses and workshops. At the big crocodile farm (“Crocod"iles”) near the village you can admire these prehistoric reptiles. The feeding of the crocodiles is quite an impressive spectacle and begins at approximately 17:00.

In the hotel area of ​​Sidi Mahres beach, on the edge facing Houmt Souk, you will find several simpler hotels and boarding houses.

Island tour

Djerba is not a very large island, with an area of ​​only 514 km², and is also almost completely flat. Its highest place is the clayey hills near the village of Gellala (Guellala) (55 m). This makes the island ideal for cycling. Bicycles can be rented from hotels and in Houmt Souk.

A sightseeing tour of the island in most cases begins in one of two tourist areas: Sidi Mahres or Segia. The district center and at the same time a popular destination for tourists from hotels is the lively town of Midoun (Midoun) there used to be a slave market here. This explains the fact that many of the local inhabitants have a darker skin color than other Jerbies.

In the market square, guests will find a huge selection of ceramic dishes and vases. At Cafe de la Jeunesse, men sit in the shade of an old plane tree, sipping coffee, playing dominoes or reading the newspaper. Several good restaurants offer lunch, including the attractive La Coucousserie, which has a surprisingly varied menu of couscous-based dishes. At the stadium, the resourceful head of the tourism department organized a folk festival - a Berber wedding (Manage berbere), which attracts tourists from coastal hotels every Tuesday.

From Midoun there are two options to continue the journey: either turn back to the coast and move along it through Aghir and El Kantara, or go inland. The second route is more beautiful, as it passes through the rural part of Djerba with its hamlets and olive groves. However, before moving west, it is worth deviating a little to the side and driving 4 km along the road towards Khumt Souk to the Fadlun Mosque (Fadhloun). This mosque was abandoned many years ago, but is now open to visitors. Using it you can study the distinctive features of the architecture of Djerba. There is an impluvium in the front yard (sink): A shallow, whitewashed basin with a drainage hole in which rainwater was collected and conveyed to a cistern underneath. Nearby there is a place for ritual ablutions before prayer. Through a narrow passage in the second circumferential wall you enter the mosque's modest courtyard and from there into the unadorned prayer hall, which is supported by four massive columns. You can climb the minaret along a narrow staircase and admire the mosque from above.

Returning back to Midoun, you can now move deeper into the island through the villages of Mahbubin (Mahboubine) and Bedouin (Bedouine) to Seduikesh (Cedouikech). a patriarchal place that lives on pottery.

But Gellala is better known in this regard (Guellala), a real village of potters. However, don’t bother looking for simple, undecorated clay jugs on the counters and markets of Gellaly, shaped like antique amphorae, which were made here from time immemorial. Tourist taste gives rise to supply, and therefore everything is now filled with ceramics with white-blue-green patterns, which are actually produced in Nabeul. What is made right here is sculpted from clay mined from the depths of the hill below Gellala. Over time, in order to get to the raw materials, it was necessary to dig shafts and adits. In ancient kilns, located half underground, clay products are fired. Some of the ovens in Gellale can be viewed - but you will be expected to buy a souvenir as a sign of gratitude.

A worthwhile museum a little away from Gellala tells not only about pottery, but also about Tunisian folk customs. Next door, the café-restaurant invites you to have a snack and a glass of mint tea.

To the south and to El Kantara you can drive along a well-trodden road along the sea. Along the way, every now and then you come across tops placed in shallow places, and here and there on the shore there are clay jugs tied with rope. The fishermen of Djerba catch their prey in the same way as their counterparts on the Kerkennah Islands: they drive the school between two rows of nets, so that the fish swim in an ever-narrowing passage and are eventually trapped. Octopuses are lured with clay jugs, using their habit of climbing into dark shelters, and then all that remains is to lift up the jugs with the mollusks sitting in them.

In El Cantar (El-Kantara) a dam begins that stretches across the sea strait to the mainland. This jumper appeared in ancient times, and, of course, the Roman road (Chaussee romaine) it was not preserved. Near the dam, water pipes are visible, supplying Djerba with water from the mainland. There are no sources of water on the island itself, and the meager rainfall is barely sufficient for agriculture.

If you move further inland, the road will lead you to El May (El May). Here there is another illustrative example of the peculiar architecture of Ibadi Muslims: the white El-May Mosque, fortified with high walls and powerful buttresses. Rounded corners and smooth lines soften the appearance of this building, which is actually quite inhospitable, and deprive it of any menacing appearance. A similar architectural style can be found in the Mzab group of oases (M"zab) in the Algerian Sahara, where Berbers also live, adherents of one of the strict religious sects.

The town of Hara Segira (Hara Seghira), aka Riyadh (Er-Riadh), is the gateway from the world of Islamic faith to the world of Judaism. This is where the La Ghriba Synagogue is located. (La Ghriba), the oldest in Africa, which annually, 30 days after the Jewish Old Testament Passover, becomes one of the largest places of pilgrimage for North African Jews.

Jews have lived on Djerba since at least 586. Although historical documents are silent about this, there is a version that Jewish refugees ended up in North Africa no later than 70 AD. e., after the Roman conquest of Jerusalem. Rulers of Islamic dynasties, as a rule, did not touch Jews. Islam recognized Jews as "People of the Book" (The Book meant the Old Testament) and placed it higher than the “pagans.” True, they, like Christians, had to pay special taxes and live in certain areas of the city, called hara or mellah. After the founding of the State of Israel, most Jews left North Africa; Now there are about 1000 of them living in Djerba.

The current synagogue building dates back to 1920. You are only allowed to enter with your head covered. (scarves and hats are available for rent) and without shoes. The interior decoration is dominated by white and blue colors, and elderly men can always be seen sitting in the dim light studying the Holy Scriptures. Precious Torah scrolls are carefully protected from the eyes of visitors. They are probably among the oldest Torah copies existing today in the Jewish world.

A charming hotel has recently opened in Riyadh, designed as an alternative to hotel rooms for pilgrims. It is open not only to Jews. Its restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine.