Gabès
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gabès قابس |
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  Gabès
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | Tunisia |
| Governorates | Gabès Governorate |
| Population (2004) | |
| - Total | 116.323 |
| Source: Census | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
Gabès (Arabic: قابس) is the capital city of the Gabès Governorate, a province of Tunisia.
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[edit] 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: The Muslim conquest (Al'Fatah Al'Islami). Muhammed's companion Sidi Abou Loobaba Al'Ansarey settles in Gabès.
- 1881: Gabès enters the French protectorate (regarded by many as an occupation).
- 1940: Gabès comes under German control.
- 1943: Gabès returns to French control with the help of the British (in the Mareth Line). The operation results in serious damage to the city infrastructure.
- 1945: The rebuilding of Gabès starts.
- 1956: Gabès returns to Tunisian control with the liberation of Tunisia from the French occupation.
[edit] Education
[edit] Economy
Gabès is one of the biggest industrial cities in Tunisia. Most industries are chemical oriented, this is why the city offers one of the best chemistry degrees in Africa from by the University of Gabès. 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.
[edit] Transport
Gabès is terminus of a narrow gauge branch railway from the capital, and is the nearest railway station to the Libyan border.
[edit] Tourism
Gabès is famous for its traditional Souqs in Jarah; it is known also for its attractive beach and the unusual seaside oasis (Gabes is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea). 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 tourist zone there in the coming years.
[edit] See also
- Gabès Governorate, one of the twenty-four governorates (provinces) of Tunisia
- Gulf of Gabès
- University of Gabès, a public university
- Silvan Shalom, an Israeli politician born in this city
