With the official state religion being Islam and approximately 98% of the Tunisian population practising, it is important to brush up on local customs if you're planning on staying at any Tunisia hotels. To make things simple, here's our guide to a hassle-free holiday. Regardless of whether you stay in one of the country's all inclusive hotels or a luxurious resort, you're bound to experience Islamic culture in some shape or form.
For example, Muslims pray five times a day so you're more than likely to hear one of their calls to prayer at the local mosque. One important fact to remember is that Friday is the Muslim holy day when it is prohibited to work so many of the shops and restaurants will be closed.
What's more, traditional fasting takes place from dusk until dawn and although foreigners are not expected to partake in this fasting, they are expected to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during this month as a sign of respect. The extent to which tourists are expected to adhere to the local customs is usually dependant on which area Tunisia hotels are located.
Coastal resorts tend to have a more European and relaxed approach to western dress. However, it should be advised that modest dress should be practiced as a precaution whilst staying in main cities and rural areas, or when visiting religious sites. Topless sunbathing, for example, is likely to cause offence throughout Tunisia and should be avoided. Alternatively, head to Djerba to the Fortress of Kej for a great example of Islamic architecture.
This fortress accurately conveys the military and spiritual identity of the Sufi denomination, and provides a great insight into the historical context of the heavily-influenced style of Sufi in the area. What's more, there's some fantastic all inclusive hotels in the local area, making it easy to pay a visit to this essential site.
For example, Muslims pray five times a day so you're more than likely to hear one of their calls to prayer at the local mosque. One important fact to remember is that Friday is the Muslim holy day when it is prohibited to work so many of the shops and restaurants will be closed.
What's more, traditional fasting takes place from dusk until dawn and although foreigners are not expected to partake in this fasting, they are expected to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during this month as a sign of respect. The extent to which tourists are expected to adhere to the local customs is usually dependant on which area Tunisia hotels are located.
Coastal resorts tend to have a more European and relaxed approach to western dress. However, it should be advised that modest dress should be practiced as a precaution whilst staying in main cities and rural areas, or when visiting religious sites. Topless sunbathing, for example, is likely to cause offence throughout Tunisia and should be avoided. Alternatively, head to Djerba to the Fortress of Kej for a great example of Islamic architecture.
This fortress accurately conveys the military and spiritual identity of the Sufi denomination, and provides a great insight into the historical context of the heavily-influenced style of Sufi in the area. What's more, there's some fantastic all inclusive hotels in the local area, making it easy to pay a visit to this essential site.
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