Gabès (in Arabic: قابس) is one of the main Tunisian governorates. It is a sea oasis, situated in southeast Tunisia on the Gulf of Gabès, with a population of 90,000 (2003).

History

Gabès was an integral city in the territory of Carthage. Following the Second Punic War in the 2nd century BC Gabès came under Roman control with a new name Tacape.

7th century: Gabès enters a total new life with the muslim conquest (Al'Fatah Al'Islami). The Mohammed companion Sidi Abou Loobaba Al'Ansarey settles in Gabès and make great achievements.

1881: Gabès enters the French protectorate (in fact it was an occupation). Modern Tunisians accuse the Jews (The Jews of Gabès were a minority but they have all their rights and respect of muslims. Most of them now immigrate to Tunis or to Djerba and a great majority to France and Israel) of being collaborators with the French and playing an integral part in the fall of the city under the french occupation.

1940: Gabès enters the German control.

1943: Gabès returns to the Franch control with the help of the British (in the Line of Mareth). The operation results in a big damage in the city infrastructure.

1945: The rebuilding of Gabès starts.

1956: Gabès returns to the Tunisian control with the liberation of Tunisia from the French occupation.

Geography

Gabès is situated in southeast Tunisia in the coast of Gulf. It is enclosed by:

1. From the north: governate of Sfax.
2. From the west: governate of Kebili and Sidi Bouzid.
3. From the south: governate of Medenine.
4. From the east: the Mediterranean Sea.

It has some small cities, such as:

1. Matamata
2. New Matamata
3. Hamma
4. Matwiya
5. Ghanoosh
6. Mareth
7. Menzel elHabeeb
8. Widthreff

Gabès has a perfect Mediterranean weather (little hot in summer). Gabès is a multi-geographical place with three opposite landscapes: the beach, the mountains, the desert, small forest, oasis. See a detailed map (http://lexicorient.com/tunisia/maps/navmap5.htm).

Economy

Gabès is one of the biggest industrial cities in Tunisia. The main industries are:

• Cement
• Chemical products
• Brick Factories
• Oil refinery

The fast growing numbers of factories has resulted in fairly serious pollution of the area and the famous beach of Gabès. In recent years the government is working on new programs and laws to decrease the amount of pollution in the town.

Tourism

Gabès, the capital, is famous for its traditional Souqs in Jarah and it is known also for its nice beach. The best parts of the beach are in the south of the city (Road to Djerba). The best one is the Lemawa or Lemaya beach. The government is planning to build a touristic zone there in coming years. The most famous touristic place in Gabès governate is Matmata. Matmata is one of the rare cities in the world that still in its old state. It is famous for its mountains and natural places.