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Béja, Tunisia

Region: Béja Governorate

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Geographic Coordinates: 36.733300, 9.183300

Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.

Population: 109299

Language: Arabic

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Béja is a city in northern Tunisia, Located about 100 kilometers west of the capital city, Tunis. It sits atop a hill overlooking fertile plains and is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Béja has a long history dating back to ancient times, With settlements from the Phoenician and Roman eras. One of Béja’s main attractions is its well-preserved Roman ruins. The most notable site is Bulla Regia, An ancient city that was once an important center for agriculture and trade. Visitors can explore underground houses with intricate mosaics depicting daily life.

Another popular attraction in Béja is Kasbah de Beja or Beja Castle, A medieval fortress built by Arab conquerors in the 9th century and expanded by Spanish rulers in the 16th century. Climbing to the top provides panoramic views over Béja’s old town. Béja also boasts several museums showcasing its cultural heritage such as Musée Archéologique de Béjà which displays artifacts from various periods throughout history including Roman mosaics and Islamic ceramics; Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel de la Ville de Bejá showcases traditional Tunisian crafts like pottery-making, Weaving, And embroidery.

For those interested in experiencing local culture first-hand, There are several festivals held throughout the year celebrating music, Dance, Food as well as traditional crafts such as pottery-making or textile weaving. , Bejá offers many opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking through olive groves or exploring nearby mountains such as Djebel Serj National Park which offers stunning views over Northern Tunisia’s landscape . Overall, Bèjais an ideal destination for history buffs, Culture enthusiasts, And outdoor adventurers alike. The rich history impressive architecture, And natural beauty make it a unique place to visit while traveling through Tunisia.’

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1. The Roman ruins of Dougga: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa.
2. The Kasbah of Beja: This 17th-century fortress is one of the most iconic landmarks in Béja and offers stunning views over the city.
3. The Dar El Bey Museum: This museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace and showcases traditional Tunisian art and culture.
4. Jebel Zaghouan: This mountain range offers some incredible hiking opportunities, as well as stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
5. Ain Tounga hot springs: These natural hot springs are known for their healing properties and make for a relaxing day trip from Béja.
6. The Medina of Beja: This historic quarter is home to some beautiful architecture, including traditional houses with ornate facades and intricate tilework.
7. Kef Eddour Mosque: Located in the heart of Béja’s old town, this mosque dates back to the 9th century and features an impressive minaret that can be seen from all around the city.

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1. The major industries and businesses in Béja, Tunisia include:
• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Manufacturing
• Services
2. The region is known for its production of:
• Olives and olive oil
• Cereals such as wheat and barley
3. The tourism industry is also significant in Béja due to its historical sites such as:
• The Roman ruins of Dougga
4. In terms of manufacturing, the city has a number of factories producing:
• Textiles
• Food products
• Construction materials
5. Services such as healthcare and education are also important sectors in Béja.

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Béja – A City with Rich History

1. During the Roman Empire, Béja was known as Vaga and was an essential city in North Africa.
2. In the 7th century, Béja was conquered by Arab forces led by Uqba ibn Nafi.
3. It became a center of power for the Fatimid Dynasty during the 10th century.
4. In the 12th century, Béja came under the rule of the Almohad Caliphate.
5. Ottoman forces led by Uluç Ali Pasha captured Béja in 1574.
6. In 1881, the French colonized Tunisia and made Béja a regional capital.
7. Habib Bourguiba, a prominent Tunisian politician, visited Béja several times during his political career and played a crucial role in gaining independence from France in 1956.
8. Hedi Amara Nouira, who served as Prime Minister of Tunisia from 1970 to 1980, had ties to Béja and worked to improve infrastructure in the region.
9. Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan-American author, lived briefly with his family in Béja when he was young and has spoken about how living there influenced his writing.
10. Sidi Bou Said, located near Béja, is one of Tunisia’s most famous tourist destinations known for its white and blue architecture. It has been visited by many notable people over the years, including French writer André Gide and American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.

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1. Roman Amphitheater of Thuburbo Majus
2. Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions
3. Béja Medina
4. Ksour Essaf Historic Site
5. Dar Othman Museum
6. Zaouia Sidi Bou Arba Mausoleum
7. Al-Haditha Mosque
8. Kasbah of Béja
9. El Ghriba Synagogue
10. Aïn Draham Forest Park

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Sports Teams in Béja

1. Football

   • Club Sportif de Béja (CSB) – Founded in 1921
   • Avenir Sportif de Béja (ASB) – Established in 1943

2. Basketball

   • Union Sportive de Béja (USB) – Founded in 1960

3. Handball

   • Handball Club de Béja (HCB) – Established in 1962

4. Volleyball

   • Association Sportive des Cheminots de Béja (ASCB) – Founded by railway workers

These are just some examples of sports teams based on available information from public sources; there may be more teams or updates to their history that are not yet known.

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1. International Festival of Olive Trees: This festival celebrates the importance of olive trees in Tunisian culture and includes exhibitions, workshops, and tastings.
2. Béja Festival of Traditional Music: This annual festival features traditional music from Tunisia and other countries in the region.
3. Béja International Short Film Festival: This festival showcases short films from around the world and includes workshops, discussions, and screenings.
4. Béja Carnival: Held annually during the week leading up to Lent, this carnival features parades, costumes, music, and dancing.
5. El Ghriba Pilgrimage: This pilgrimage to a Jewish shrine on the island of Djerba attracts thousands of visitors each year for religious ceremonies as well as cultural events such as music performances.
6. Sidi Bou Said International Cultural Festival: Although not located in Béja itself but nearby at Sidi Bou Said village this festival celebrates Tunisian culture through art exhibitions, musical performances, theater productions and more.
7. Eid al-Fitr: The Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan is celebrated with family gatherings and feasts throughout Tunisia including Beja.
8. National Day (Independence Day): Celebrated on March 20th each year commemorating Tunisia’s independence from France in 1956 with parades across all cities including Beja.
9. Mawlid An-Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday): A national holiday celebrated by Muslims across Tunisia including Beja where festivities include processions with lights decorations along with food distribution to those less fortunate.

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1. Couscous: A traditional dish made of steamed semolina grains served with vegetables, meat or fish.
2. Brik: A fried pastry stuffed with egg, tuna or meat.
3. Lablabi: A soup made of chickpeas and spices.
4. Mloukhia: A stew made of jute leaves and meat.
5. Chakchouka: A dish made of peppers, tomatoes, onions and eggs.
6. Chez Amor Restaurant: Known for its couscous and seafood dishes.
7. Le Petit Paris Restaurant: Offers a mix of Tunisian and French cuisine.
8. Dar El Jeld Restaurant & Spa: Serves traditional Tunisian dishes in a historic setting.
9. L’Artisan Cafe-Restaurant: Known for its homemade pastries and coffee drinks.
10. La Table du Baron Restaurant & Lounge Bar: Offers a fusion menu with Mediterranean flavors in a chic atmosphere.

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1. Parc National de l’Ichkeul: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wetland park that offers birdwatching, hiking, and boating opportunities.
2. Parc des Oliviers: A large park with olive trees, play areas for children, and picnic spots.
3. Jardin Public de Béja: A public garden with lush greenery, fountains, and benches to relax on.
4. Stade 15 Octobre: A sports stadium where locals can participate in or watch football matches.
5. Centre Équestre de Béja: A horse riding center where visitors can take lessons or go on guided tours of the surrounding countryside.
6. Club Nautique de Béja: This club offers water sports like kayaking and sailing on Lake Ichkeul.
7. Musée Archéologique de Béja: Visitors can learn about the Roman history of the region at this museum which features exhibits of ancient artifacts found in the area.

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