Douz, the antechamber of the desert

Douz is often called the door of the desert, the town of Douz would be more of its antechamber. While the city was far from being, in the history of the oasis, the most important in the region. At present, it is no longer in appearance but a city that shines with a thousand lights once a year, during the International Festival of Sahara. Nevertheless, to find well, unusual places, artisans of quality, sublime sites abound … Douz, a city to be discovered.

Douz is home to one of the most typical and colorful markets in Tunisia. It is on the village square that you can stock up on craft products. Every Thursday morning, one can enjoy the spectacle of the market of donkeys and dromedaries. A moment not to be missed.

This weekly market will also allow you to meet the inhabitants of the region, the “Mrazig”, sedentary nomads living in Douz and its surroundings. Some sources mention 50,000 individuals descended from the “Banu Suleyman” tribe. A tribe that left the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century AD through Egypt and Libya before arriving in Tunisia. A branch of about 30,000 “Mrazig” also lives in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

To return to the city of Douz, know that the main activity of daily life is around the arcades. A place nicely planted with old tamarisks of more than 200 years. It is impossible to miss the pretty mosque and the many craft shops. We especially recommend that of Ahmed for his dishes and pottery. Still dressed in a traditional outfit and a “chèche”, his stall is on the market place. Not far from there is “Hadj Jdidi” famous for his handmade slippers. A tour is required. Unless a detour by Ali’s shop tempts you more, especially if you are interested in Saharan outfits or burnous.

To eat, you have the choice between a good fresh juice in the “Café la Rosa” and its pretty flowered patio. If on the other hand, you have a bigger cravings, we suggest you “Le Rimmel”, avenue Taeib Mhiri, right next to the post office. Excellent homemade méchouia salad and real couscous made from traditional grains.

A real esacapde in Douz would automatically pass through the museum of the Sahara. The last born of the museums of Tunisia. It is actually a hymn to the life of a small end of the Tunisian desert. A small corner between the “Chott El Jerid” and the beginning of the great “Erg Oriental”. This museum “introduces the visitor to the physical environment and its natural components: vegetation and fauna, and introduces the semantics of symbols and artistic expression to the oasis and nomadic civilizations through material supports of everyday life. Is manifested in the decoration of ceremonial objects (weavings, jewelery, etc.) or in tattoos that have fallen into disuse. ”
Know that the curator of the museum is a writer, poet and traditional doctor. If you have the chance to meet him, he will tell you his personal story “Douz”. This is where another journey begins.

Douz almost automatically involves a dromedary backpack. Try to get there early enough to really take the time to enjoy your ride. If you have more time, take the time to do a real immersion in the Tunisian Sahara.
A night under a tent, a trek, a raid … Enjoy a little more in the depths of the Sahara to really discover, decompress, and let yourself be surprised. Many local operators organize programs. We will come back.

Amel Djait

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