Synagogue in Tunisia. Tunisia is a new oriental tale for Russians. What you need to know before visiting El Griba synagogue
Synagogue La Griba (Tunisia) - description, history, location. The exact address, phone, website. Reviews of tourists, photos and videos.
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The "main" synagogue of Tunisia and one of the oldest in North Africa - La Griba, which means "amazing" in Arabic, is located in the small village of Khara Segira, the majority of whose population since the 6th century BC are Jews. Here, it seems, you are not at all thousands of kilometers from Jerusalem: the gray-haired elders, swaying rhythmically, read the Talmud, the walls are dotted with memorial plaques in Hebrew, and ancient Torah scrolls are kept in cupboards. La Griba is a prime example of Tunisian tolerance: Arab and Jewish families have lived door to door for centuries. Tourists here will be interested to see the white and blue interiors and Jewish artifacts and feel the spirit of leisurely worship of religion.
A bit of history
The history of the La Griba synagogue dates back to 586 BC, when, as a result of the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, the main Jewish temple was destroyed, and thousands of Jews went into exile. Some of them followed the ancient trade routes and reached the then almost uninhabited southern Tunisian island of Djerba. A synagogue was founded here, and a Jewish settlement gradually expanded around it. Many local Berbers also converted to Judaism.
Legend has it that the site for the construction of the synagogue was chosen from above: a huge stone fell from heaven, from which a figure of a woman with long hair appeared, who ordered to build a house of Jewish prayer in this place. The same legend says that when the last Jew leaves Djerba (if this ever happens), the keys to the synagogue will ascend to heaven.
In 2002, an explosion occurred near the synagogue, as a result of which 19 people died. Although there have been no more incidents since then, the security at La Griba is very serious: you will be asked to go through a metal detector, and individual travelers who are not part of a tour group may be asked to show documents.
What to see
Outside, the La Griba synagogue is unremarkable - an ordinary one-story building without windows, with white walls and a blue door - this could be a warehouse or garage. Once inside, you find yourself in a small courtyard, into which the door of the synagogue itself opens. There are no signs or signs telling about the unusualness of this place in an Arab country.
The interiors of La Griba are a combination of white and blue tiles and red and green carved wooden columns - just like in Arab mosques, an amazing combination of religious traditions! Rows of wooden benches facing the pulpit (it faces Jerusalem) and many bookcases around the perimeter are the simple furniture of the synagogue. One of the oldest copies of the Torah in the world is kept in the cabinet for storing sacred books behind the pulpit. On the eastern wall, you can see hundreds of memorial silver tablets that pilgrims left here over the centuries.
On the holiday of Lag ba Omer, numerous pilgrims come to La Griba to honor the memory of one of the sages of the Talmud, Shimon bar Yochai. Then, colorful processions with Torah scrolls are held in the settlement.
Address, opening hours and cost of visit
Address: La Ghriba Synagogue, Hara Seghira.
Opening hours: every day from morning until dark, on Friday evenings a lot of believers come.
Admission is free, but 1-2 TND are welcome to the caretaker.
The prices on the page are for September 2019.
Not only the island's most famous attraction, but also the most controversial.
There are two completely opposite opinions regarding this object: some believe that the synagogue is a must see, others that this is just a scam of tourists for money and a waste of time. It seems to us that the problem lies in high expectations.
What is the El Ghriba synagogue in Djerba
To begin with, so that there is no confusion in the future, let's figure out what a "mushroom" is. This is the name of all synagogues in the Maghreb countries: 3 synagogues operate in Tunisia, 2 in Libya and one in Algeria. The word “ghriba” in Arabic means “strange, alien” and this reflects the special status of the Jewish traditions of Tunisia.
The synagogue on Djerba became world famous for a long time, in any case, it is mentioned in sources dating from the 18th century. Exact time construction is unknown, the most popular and actively promoted version - the synagogue was built shortly after the destruction of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem in 589 BC. Some of the priests managed to escape slavery, fled from Jerusalem and even took with them a stone from the destroyed temple, which was laid at the base of the synagogue on Djerba.
There is no documentary evidence, exact evidence of the age of the El Grib synagogue on Djerba.
The ancient stone laid at the base of the synagogue can be examined only after special permission, it is also impossible to determine the age on it - since it is completely inorganic, the method of radiocarbon analysis will not work.
The synagogue acquired the appearance that we see in the 18th century - it was thoroughly rebuilt. From the former building, which stood for more than two hundred years, only the foundation remained. The building of the synagogue itself is small, much more space is occupied by buildings for pilgrims (many rooms are in an extremely poor condition).
The interior of the synagogue is impressive - colorful arches, columns, colored stained glass windows. The interior is quite simple - wooden benches, bookcases around the perimeter. On the east wall of the synagogue, there are many silver tablets left by pilgrims. There is also an impromptu "wailing wall" - anyone can leave a note with wishes and requests.
One of the world's oldest Torah scrolls is kept in a special cabinet behind the pulpit.
What you need to know before visiting El Griba synagogue
- you should not plan to visit the synagogue on Saturday - on this day members of the local community gather here, tourists are not allowed;
- you should not visit the synagogue on pilgrimage days - this happens after Passover on the holiday of Lag ba-Omer (dates are floating: in 2018 - May 2, in 2019 - May 23, in 2020 - May 12, the celebration starts 4 days before the date), here numerous pilgrims flock from different countriesthe synagogue is closed for tourists at this time;
- there is no strict dress code, but the head of men and women must be covered, at the entrance you can take scarves or kippahs, but better stock up on your hats;
- the rules of behavior are the same as in any other cult object - do not make noise, turn off mobile phonesdo not consume food and drinks;
- you will have to take off your shoes before entering the prayer hall, the floors are covered with mats, but better to take socks with you;
- there is no paper or pens in the synagogue in order to leave a note in the “wailing wall”, prepare it in advance;
- admission to the synagogue is free, but a donation of 1 dinar is welcome, and very strongly. You can immediately take a postcard from the caretaker to whom you leave 1 dinar, on which you write your request (if you wish);
- there is a metal detector at the entrance, an inspection is carried out, because of this, if you come with a guided tour, you will have to stand in a small queue.
You should definitely visit the synagogue, but don't expect anything grandiose! An organized visit takes place within sightseeing tour on Djerba, when you visit on your own, do not forget that just two kilometers from the synagogue in the village of Riyadh, you can see the still living examples of street art (project Djerbahood).
At the entrance to the territory of the synagogue, a search is carried out and there is an armed guard - even local residents are subjected to inspection. This is due to two terrorist attacks that took place in 1985 and 2002. During the latter, 21 people died, including 14 tourists from Germany. As a reminder of this - a memorial plaque on the wall at the entrance.
Entrance fees
The entrance to the synagogue is free, if you wish, you can donate 1 dinar.
Based on this, the statements of those who believe that the synagogue on Djerba is only a divorce for money and nothing more are not very clear.
If you visit the synagogue as part of a sightseeing tour of the island (which usually includes visiting the village and museum of Gellala, the city of Houmt Souk), the cost is determined by the tour operator.
The cost organized excursion: adult 20-25 $, child 10-15 $ (more about current prices on excursions, see the appropriate section of the site).
Synagogue El Griba opening hours
summer: 09:00 - 12:00 / 15:00 - 17:00
winter: 09:30 - 12:00 / 14:30 - 16:30
Do not forget that on Saturday and the days of pilgrimage it is better not to come here, unless, of course, you are a Jew.
Location of El Griba synagogue
El Ghriba Synagogue is located in Er-Riadh village, 500 meters from the center TND (depends on the location of your hotel). Whether to use the waiting service or not - decide for yourself, in the center of the village (about 500 meters away) it is not a problem to find a free car.
Self visit synagogues of El Griba it is advisable to combine Djerbahood with the inspection - no more than a couple of kilometers between them.
If you decide to rent a car, then immediately add a visit to the village and the Gellala Museum to the route - it is located not far from here.
Djerba is the southernmost resort region of the country. From the mainland, you can get here by ferry, which will take you in just 10 minutes, or by domestic plane in 50 minutes.
With full right, the island of Djerba can be compared with the famous Tahiti, only Mediterranean.
Small villages and towns are scattered throughout the island. The local craftsmen are renowned for their craftsmanship in pottery vessels and patterned carpets. The famous Grib synagogue is also located here, which is one of the oldest in the world. It was founded in the 6th century BC, history lovers will be interested in exploring the Spanish fort of the 16th century, as well as the fishing port.
The climate in Djerba is very mild, so you can relax on this island almost all year round. Climatic conditions here are simply unique, a real phenomenon of nature. Most hot month in the year - August and +29 degrees, and the coldest in January, when the temperature drops to +12, and the difference is very small. In December, almonds bloom on Djerba with lush white-purple flowers and new harvest oranges ripen. This amazing island literally immersed in the greenery of lush gardens, and amazing lotus flowers grow here.
Crocodile farm
Crocodile Farm in Djerba is a whole reserve of crocodiles, which are grown here on an industrial scale. Every day at 4 pm, the farm begins feeding these dangerous reptiles, so everyone can not only watch, but also take part in this entertaining action.
The reserve began its existence more than two hundred years ago, when the first crocodiles were brought here from Madagascar. They first adapted to the local climate, and later they were placed in heated swimming pools.
There are about 400 crocodiles on the farm. Some reptiles have already grown to three meters and more. The reserve has specially equipped bridges for tourists who can watch crocodiles from here.
The farm is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm in summer, and from 9 to 6 in winter.
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Fort Gazi Mustafa
Fort Gazi Mustapha (Ghazi Mustapha Fort) is one of the main attractions on the territory of the island of Djerba.
This delightful fort can be found close to Houmt Souk Beach. Its construction dates back to the fifteenth century, when Sultan Abu Fares traveled to Djerba to counter the Spanish campaign led by King Alfonso V.
Fort Ghazi Mustapha took part in battles more than once, which negatively affected its condition. To his present appearance the fort is obliged to the most complicated reconstruction, which was carried out for more than one year.
Djerba, the largest island in the Mediterranean, has great story, which you can learn more about at the Guellala Museum. Many ancient artifacts are kept behind its walls, most of which were obtained during excavations.
Guellala Museum is one of the best museums Tunisia. It rises on a hill near the village of the same name Guellala. After visiting the museum, be sure to wander around the village, whose streets are themselves an open-air museum.
Djerba Golf Club
If you do not know what to do during your vacation in Djerba, be sure to visit the DJERBA GOLF CLUB. Thanks to the climate, you can play golf here all year round. DJERBA GOLF CLUB was designed by the English architect Martin Hawtrey. The club is one of the best golf courses on the Mediterranean coast.
The club has three fields. The first course "Les Palmiers" is the most difficult, with nine holes at 3044 meters. The second "La Mer" field is lighter, it runs along the sea line, which makes the game extremely picturesque. The third course "Les Acacias" is intended for beginners - if you are not good at golf, then here you can easily learn all the basics.
Fort Bordj el-Kebir
In the middle of the sixteenth century, due to the threat of the invasion of Spanish troops on the island of Djerba, Sultan Abi Fares al Hafsi ordered the construction of the Borj el-Kebir fort. Thanks to the efforts of the Arab builders, fort Bordj el-Kebir successfully coped with its task of repelling the attacks of the invaders. The siege lasted 80 days, after which the Spanish troops admitted defeat.
During the siege of Fort Borj el Kebir, thousands of Spaniards were killed. Subsequently, the Arabs built a huge pyramid from the skulls of the slain Spaniards, which they called Borj el-Rous. The pyramid stood for 300 years, after which the European colonialists buried the skulls in a Christian cemetery.
Grib Synagogue in Riyadh
The Grib Synagogue in Riyadh is located a few kilometers from the city of Houmt Souk. This synagogue is over 2000 years old. It is considered the oldest synagogue in Africa.
It has long been believed that the El-Grib synagogue was built on the site of a paradise stone that fell to the ground. It is believed that as soon as the last Jew leaves Djerba, the keys to the synagogue will return to paradise.
Around the synagogue and its courtyard there are premises intended for visiting pilgrims who arrive here after Easter. A famous relic - the oldest Torah scroll is carefully kept in the synagogue sanctuary. A magnificent large door made of wood with large metal rivets opens the entrance to an amazing ancient structure. A fabulous rectangular room decorated with unique blue tiles makes a special impression.
Riding Club Royal Carriage Club Riding School
The Royal Carriage Club Riding School is the first of its kind to open on the island of Djerba.
The club was opened on July 1, 2007 and has managed to gain quite a lot of popularity among tourists who love horse riding. The main idea of \u200b\u200bthe club is to combine beach holiday with equestrian sport, which is taught here for different levels of training. You can be a professional or you are just interested in trying yourself in something new - they will always help you here. The masters who teach horse riding have a high level of training, they are ready to carefully explain and show you everything.
The club contains various breeds of horses, among which are the famous thoroughbred Arabian horses. For children, the club will be happy to show you thoroughbred ponies.
The club has at its disposal a beautiful house, where you can enjoy relaxing on the terrace and picturesque views.
Djerba-Zarzis airport
Djerba-Zarzis Airport is one of the largest major airports south-eastern part of Tunisia. It has an area of \u200b\u200b295 hectares, and its passenger traffic is 4 million people a year.
The airport was built in 1970 to improve the tourist attractiveness of the Zarzis Peninsula. It serves to transport tourists to the region of southern Tunisia. This is the most important artery of Tunisia, because traveling from Tunis or Monastir to Djerba by car is very tiring. In summer, there are up to 5 flights daily from Tunis airport to Djerba. The flight time takes up to one and a half hours together with takeoff and landing.
Like all Tunisian airports, this airport is operated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports of Tunisia. It has two terminals with areas of 73,000 and 57,000 square meters.
Traditional Heritage Museum
While on vacation in Djerba, you can combine business with pleasure and visit the Traditional Heritage Museum. Here you can learn about the history of the indigenous population of the island, as well as see many centuries-old relics.
The main subjects of the expositions are cultural heritagerelated to crafts local residents... It features traditional farming, fishing, pottery, as well as traditional costumes, woodwork and silverware.
In winter, the museum is open from 9:00 to 16:30, in summer - from 09:00 to 19:00.
Fadlone Mosque
The Fadloun Mosque is one of the smallest and most visited mosques in Tunisia, located in the Midoun area.
It is distinguished by the simplicity and severity of the interior decoration: there are no decorations, no stucco molding, no mosaics - only clean white walls. Even the niche indicating the direction of Mecca is not decorated here.
This pretty, modest mosque is also distinguished by the elegance and fluidity of its architectural forms. The mosque is open not only to Muslims, but also to representatives of other religions.
Sentido beach Djerba
All beaches in Tunisia are municipal. But the beach strip adjacent to any of the hotels is equipped with everything necessary for each hotel, as well as all cleaning, security, the work of the rescue service is carried out by the staff of this hotel.
One of the beautiful sandy beaches Midouna in Tunisia is located on the grounds of the Sentido Djerba Beach. Here guests are provided with sun loungers, umbrellas, towels, rental of inflatable mattresses. In addition, if you wish, you can rent equipment for aquatic species sports and volleyball.
The depth of the sea here is rather shallow, approximately to the waist of an adult, so that a swimmer who is not confident in his abilities can calmly enjoy the sea water and the healing air.
The most popular sights in Djerba with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Djerba on our website.
While Turkey tries to save the end of the 2016 season, Tunisia is hosting a record number russian tourists... In the first 5 months of the year, more than 74 thousand people visited Tunisia (an increase of 650%), for 6 months already more than 187 thousand, and by mid-August more than 400 thousand Russians had a rest in Tunisia. Those. has already broken the record of the most successful 2013, when 300 thousand Russians arrived. And by the end of the year, the number of Russian tourists may exceed half a million, - said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Tunisian Republic to the Russian Federation Ali Gutali on August 11. Tour operators also note that tours to the island of Djerba in the Mediterranean Sea have become a hit among Russians this season. Largely due to the fact that Turkish operators (ANEX, Coral and Pegas) delivered charters at very reasonable prices, and Tunisian hoteliers offered such prices that a package tour to Tunisia costs in rubles almost cheaper than a similar tour BEFORE the ruble falls! In addition to white sand, warm turquoise sea, an all-inclusive system and the best price / quality ratio in the season, the island of Djerba, like the whole of Tunisia, is interesting excursion program... The highlight I consider the most ancient synagogue in the world - La Griba (El Griba).
La Ghriba is located in the small village of Khara Segira (town of Riyadh). From the outside, the synagogue building seems unremarkable - an ordinary low building with white walls and blue windows. Typical Tunisian style, in which many buildings and entire cities are built (for example, Sidi Bou Said). The interiors of the synagogue are unusual inside. The combination of white and blue tiles and carved wooden columns, isn't that surprising for a synagogue? And in translation from Arabic the name of the synagogue sounds like "amazing", "miracle". There is also a variant of the translation "stranger". Everything is so - she is both amazing and alien in the Muslim world. But Tunisia is such a tolerant country that different religions easily coexist here, and the houses of a Jew and an Arab can be located opposite each other door to door. And it doesn't bother anyone. I did not notice any strong religiosity among Tunisians, this is a secular country. In Russia, the attitude towards religion is now much more serious, especially if we recall the adoption of a number of laws, and the most striking of them is about insulting the feelings of believers. In Tunisia, there is no such thing, but the rights of women, including the right to participate in the political process, to the opportunity to take a post at the ministerial level, are observed. For example, Tunisia's tourism minister is a woman.
The history of the La Griba synagogue begins in 586 BC, i.e. the synagogue is about 2,600 years old and is the oldest synagogue in Africa. One of the oldest copies of the Torah in the world is kept here, the relics of Shimon Bar Yaskhai, who is one of the authors of the Talmud, rest, and on the eastern wall there are dozens of memorial silver tablets that pilgrims left here for centuries (a kind of Wailing Wall in Jerusalem). According to legend, the Jews, expelled from Jerusalem after the destruction of the First Temple in 589 BC, brought the stones left from the Temple with them to the island of Djerba. It was from them that the city synagogue was built. After the holiday of Passover on the 33rd day, on religious holiday Lag ba Omer, thousands of Jews flock to Djerba. The pilgrimage of Jews from all over the world to the oldest synagogue on this day is an old tradition. As a sign of respect, it is customary to take off your shoes at the entrance. And the floor is carpeted. Again, an amazing mixture of religious traditions.
In the center of the island of Djerba, there is either a town or a village - Gellale - the center of Djerba pottery. It is here that traditions have been preserved almost in their original form, and it is here on the hill that the Museum of Folk Traditions is located. The museum tells about the life of the inhabitants of Djerba.
Circumcision of a baby, pre-wedding hair removal, staining feet and palms with henna, making couscous, baking bread in an old oven - all scenes from the life of Tunisians are presented very clearly. These were the most important occupations: stocking up on olive oil, weaving "melkhavs" (robes), and preparing medicines for healers. If you look closely, you can see that all men wear a flower behind their ear. But someone has it behind the left ear, and someone has it behind the right. And it's not just that. To my question, the guide explained that this is a sign, and depending on whether a man is free or married, the flower is worn on one side or the other. Convenient, right?)
Gellal is still making ceramics in the traditional way, on a potter's wheel with a foot "drive", they squeeze oil out in underground presses (to keep it better in the heat) and live in authentic hushah dwellings with a toilet outside the house. And the excursion to Gellal necessarily includes a visit to one of the many pottery workshops and a ceramics store attached to it.
They have already prepared for the meeting of tourists in advance and are greeted by playing national instruments, and oriental melodies are immediately immersed in the atmosphere. Past the large-sized clay products displayed at the entrance, they immediately lead to the workshop of a virtuoso potter. He so skillfully sculpts various vessels, decorates them with carvings or stucco moldings, gets a vase from a shapeless blank, which, with a slight movement of his hand, turns into a jug, that you don't notice how he opens his mouth. And all this literally in a minute!
After the master class, they are invited to the store. The owner will be happy to tell you about the manufacturing technology. I really love Arabian lamps. These openwork lantern walls leave unique patterns on the walls and ceiling!
But we, of course, come to Tunisia to spend more time at sea. Here you can find the freshest fish and excursions to the uninhabited sand island with "pirates", swimming in the lagoon and lunch with seafood, and the famous fortress with a tower Fort Borj el-Kebir on the coast of the city of Houmt Souk, and a lagoon with pink flamingos ... Snow-white sand, blue water and bright sun in the blue sky ... Photos from Tunisia are almost indistinguishable from shots from the Maldives, Seychelles or Caribbean islands.
Try to guess why are huge quantities of earthenware jugs stored near the coast? Moreover, their bottom is not flat and they cannot stand. Are you giving up? These are special pitchers for catching octopus and squid. They are very fond of all sorts of holes and containers, they settle in jugs and consider them to be their house. This is how octopuses are caught throughout the Mediterranean, and these jugs are also called amphorettes.
Tunisia is a very interesting and little explored land by Russians. But now we have a chance to relax there more often, the country has become more accessible, and, possibly, will become one of the main destinations for us.
Djerba Island is ideal for discerning tourists. It will appeal to those who want to combine the beach and sailing in the Mediterranean off the coast of Tunisia with desert safaris, excursions to historical sites and a visit to a crocodile farm.
Tours to Djerba
Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with a departure from Moscow
Tourist girls love to be photographed in the Heritage complex, which recreates the atmosphere of a typical Tunisian village of the last century. Traditional architecture, wells, camels and the Lella Khadriya Museum of Crafts become a good background for photos in national clothes. There are many souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. Lella Hadriya Museum, Heritage Village and Crocodile Farm are open during the season from 9 am to 2 am.
Fadlone
One of the smallest mosques in Tunisia, Fadloun, is located in the Midoun area on the island of Djerba. It's incredible beautiful building from a distance it resembles a toy with its small domes, graceful gallery and smooth lines.
Synagogue El Griba
Djerba is home to the El Griba (La Griba) synagogue, which is more than two millennia old. The oldest synagogue in Africa has its own "Wailing Wall", where believers leave notes with their requests.
Excursions and outdoor activities
The mandatory program of rest on Djerba also includes a jeep safari across the Sahara, which is popular regardless of the season. Lovers of ethnicity can safely recommend an excursion to Gellala, the village of potters, where you can personally see the process of making quite complex products and buy souvenirs.
Those who prefer leisureare seeking access to the Djerba Golf Club or the Royal Carriage Club Riding School. Local climate allows you to enjoy green fields all year round and learn to ride. Lovers of sea fishing and yachting, beach recreation are not bypassed by entertainment.
