The City of Tozeur

The city of Tozeur lies on the borders of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. It is the largest of the five oases of the Jerid. The city gradually developed around its palm grove. Today, it serves as the capital of the governorate of the same name. Tozeur sits northwest of Chott el-Jérid, near the Algerian border. It is renowned for its huge palm grove and succulent dates. The beauty of its architecture, with sun-baked brick houses and mosques, makes it a jewel of southern Tunisia.

Tozeur is 450 kilometers southwest of Tunis. The city has an important religious past and welcomes many scholars. Ibn Chabbat bequeathed the irrigation system of the palm groves. The poet Abou el Kacem Chebbi composed his famous Ela Toghat Al Alaam here during the French protectorate. The contemporary topography of Tozeur pays homage to these figures, as well as to the marabouts.

The city experienced significant demographic growth during the second half of the 20th century. The sedentarization of the Bedouins contributed to this expansion. In a few decades, the population grew from about 11,000 to 37,365 inhabitants (2014 census). The architecture of its built heritage is unique in Tunisia. The medina features raised brick patterns, a style shared with neighboring Nefta.

The City of Tozeur : Economy and Culture

Agriculture, especially the monoculture of Deglet Nour dates, remains the main resource. It represents a third of Tunisian date production. The local brickyard still operates to meet construction needs. Since the 1990s, tourism has played an increasingly important role. An international airport and numerous hotels support this development. The city also promotes its heritage and filming locations. The International Oasis Festival attracts visitors from around the world.

Tozeur is known for the superior quality of its dates, especially the “deglet ennour” variety. This variety has transparent and succulent flesh. The oasis of Tozeur contains over three million palm trees, including 400,000 within the city. It also has 200 springs. Dunes and a stone desert surround the oasis.

The history of Tozeur dates back to the third millennium BC. It was Numidian, Christian, and then Muslim. The population is now predominantly Arab, although Berber traditions still exist. Tozeur has a strong cultural tradition. Many contemporary works are exhibited at the Planet Oasis cultural center. The city has many museums and an entertainment center. This center tells the stories of the Thousand and One Nights.

Tozeur offers diversified tourist infrastructure. Visitors can choose from luxury hotels, camps, guest houses, and a golf course. The internationally renowned museum Dar Chraït is a must-see. A huge palm grove, mountain oases, and waterfalls await exploration. The city serves as the starting point for many excursions. Visitors can explore Nefta, Chott el-Djérid with its mirages, and the mountain oases of the eastern Atlas. The Ong Jmel region, where George Lucas filmed the Star Wars trilogy, is also nearby. The film The English Patient was also shot here. Ultimately, the city of Tozeur offers an unforgettable journey into Tunisia’s desert heritage.