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Monastir, Tunisia - December 2013

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastir,_Tunisia

 

 

Monastir (Arabic: المـنسـتير‎ Al-Munastîr, from the Greek μοναστήριον "Hermit's Cell, monastery", called [lmiˈstiːr] in Tunisian Arabic), is a city on the central coast of Tunisia, in the Sahel area, (20 km south of Sousse and 162 km south of Tunis). Traditionally a fishing port, Monastir is now a major tourist resort. Its population is about 71,546. It is the capital of Monastir Governorate.

 

 

History

 

 

Monastir was founded on the ruins of the Punic–Roman city of Ruspina. The city features a well preserved Ribat that was used to scan the sea for hostile ships as a defence against the attacks of the Byzantine fleet. Several ulema came to stay in the Ribat of this peaceful city for contemplation. The Ribat was also one of the filming locations for both the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth and Monty Python's Life Of Brian.

 

 

Transportation

 

 

The city has Monastir – Habib Bourguiba International Airport with flights from most Western European countries. It is run by Tepe Akfen Ventures Airport Holding (TAV).

 

 

Economy

 

 

Nouvelair has its head office in Monastir in the Dkhila Tourist Zone,[1][2] near the Hôtel Sahara Beach.[3]

 

 

Notable people

 

 

Tunisian ex-president Habib Bourguiba was born in Monastir, and his mausoleum is located in the city.

 

 

International relations

 

 

Twin towns – Sister cities

 

 

Monastir is twinned with: Germany Münster, Germany

 

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Uploaded on January 31, 2014
Taken on December 26, 2013