Music
The most popular form of traditional Tunisian music is called Malouf. Malouf is a type of arab-andalusian music. Andalusian music is a class of music common across Spain and northern Africa. Malouf has been influenced by the many imperial powers in Tunisia's history, including Ottoman, French, and several Berber (Muslim) Dynasties. Jews and Muslims escaping Spain during catholic re-concurring contributed some characteristics to Malouf. Turkish, Persian and Greek aspects are also found. The instruments typical to this music include string instruments, like the fiddle, oud, and kanun. Other instruments used can include the mezoued, gasba, zurna, and sometimes European instruments, such as the piano. It is a very percussive form of music, using a drum called a darbuka, and often times clapping. Other aspects include a male chorus, and usually secular lyrics. Music has always been very a large part of Tunisian culture, all the way up to present day, where orchestras have grown more popular. 'Modern' music, like rock, hip hop, and jazz are enjoyed today as well. If you would like to listen to popular modern songs in Tunisia, the link for Radio Tunis is below. (National Geographic, "World Music; Tunisia").
http://www.radiotunisienne.tn/
Cite: " Tunisia National Anthem". Online Video. Youtube. Uploaded November 5, 2008. March 10, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58lpD6lNiTI.
Cite: " Tunisia Music and Images". Online Video. Youtube. Uploaded December 9, 2008. March 10, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oow36OLwbE.
Cite: " Tunisia Music and Images". Online Video. Youtube. Uploaded December 9, 2008. March 10, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oow36OLwbE.
Food
The best way to describe typical Tunisian food is as "very spicy". The national dish of Tunisia is Couscous, often with fried vegetables and meats (ifood.tv encyclopedia, "Tunisian Food").
The origin of Tunisian food comes from a mix of Mediterranean and desert dwelling influence. Because around 98% of the population is Muslim, pork is avoided, and the Sharia, religious laws of Islam, is followed when preparing food. In most Tunisian dishes, you will find olive oil, tomatoes, spices, and meat, which is predominantly lamb. A popular topping in Tunisian food is Harissa, a spicey pepper sauce made with red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and spices (Food.com, "Tunisian Recipes").
For a typical Tunisian, eggs, olives, pastas, vegetables and grain products are part of a daily diet. Although food varies throughout the country, as in the coastal areas eating more seafood, most characteristics of Tunisian food are uniform (CIA World Factbook). Below is a link to a web-site with a list of recipes for Tunisian Food.
The origin of Tunisian food comes from a mix of Mediterranean and desert dwelling influence. Because around 98% of the population is Muslim, pork is avoided, and the Sharia, religious laws of Islam, is followed when preparing food. In most Tunisian dishes, you will find olive oil, tomatoes, spices, and meat, which is predominantly lamb. A popular topping in Tunisian food is Harissa, a spicey pepper sauce made with red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and spices (Food.com, "Tunisian Recipes").
For a typical Tunisian, eggs, olives, pastas, vegetables and grain products are part of a daily diet. Although food varies throughout the country, as in the coastal areas eating more seafood, most characteristics of Tunisian food are uniform (CIA World Factbook). Below is a link to a web-site with a list of recipes for Tunisian Food.
http://www.food.com/recipe-finder/all/tunisian
Dance
Dance is an important part of Tunisian culture, and can often be seen at weddings, concerts, festivals, and even football games. More traditional dance resembles a faster version of Egyptian style dancing. Just like with Tunisian music, different forms of dance were brought to the country from the imperial powers. Traditional style dance is most popular in Tunisian cities. A popular type of dance is called the Nuba, which usually involves acrobatics or jars filled with water. Another very popular dance is a religious dance, called the Stambali (Everything Belly Dance, " Dances of Tunisia". Mellillah. August 6,2008. March 15. 2013). It was created to honor Sidi Saad, a Sudanese Muslim who went to Tunisia with his followers in the 16th century (http://www.tunisia.alloexpat.com/tunisia_information/culture_tunisia.php?page=0%2C2).The National Troupe Folk Art Center and the National Dance of Ariana are a few dance companies helping to keep Tunisian dance alive (@llo'Expat Tunisia; " Culture and People").
Cite: "Traditional Tunisian Dance". Online video. Youtube. Updated September 1, 2009. March 10, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W29diXPoP9M.
