Local People’s Culture of Life in Nefta, Tunisia

Located in the south of Tunisia, Nefta is one of the most important cultural centers of the country. Located in the Oasis region, Nefta attracts attention with its unique lifestyle and traditions.

The local people of Nefta are very proud of their Berber roots. In their daily lives, traces of Berber culture can be clearly seen. For example, women still wear traditional Berber clothes, while men prefer the “jellaba”, a robe-like upper garment.

Domestic architecture also reflects the Berber influence. Narrow streets, exteriors with pottery motifs and vaulted ceilings in the interiors are characteristic architectural features of the region. To keep the inside of the houses cool, the walls are thick and built with small windows.

Date palm production plays an important role in the livelihood of the local population. Nefta is one of the largest date production centers in the world. Date palm harvesting and processing are at the center of the local community’s economic activities.

In addition, the city’s Grana neighborhood, inhabited by Algerian Jews, is an important element reflecting Nefta’s cultural diversity. In this neighborhood, traces of Jewish culture and architecture are still preserved.

As a result, Nefta is a living example of the traditional Berber way of life in the southern region of Tunisia. The city’s natural beauty, architectural fabric and the cultural heritage of the local people offer a unique Tunisian experience.