El kef
El Kef – Sicca Veneria
The governorate of El Kef is located in the far northwest of the Republic of Tunisia, bordering Algeria to the west, which has given it a strategically important position throughout history. El Kef is considered one of the oldest governorates in Tunisia, distinguished by its unique blend of historical heritage, cultural depth, and natural beauty.
El Kef boasts a rich history that spans more than fifteen centuries, bearing witness to the succession of multiple civilizations since its founding by the Amazigh. The region has been inhabited since the Stone Age and flourished during the Carthaginian and Roman periods, when it was known as Sicca Veneria—a vibrant city that brought together Roman and Amazigh cultures. The remains of fortresses and temples still stand as a testament to that era.
Later, El Kef witnessed the arrival of other civilizations, including the Byzantine period and the Arab-Islamic era, which transformed the city into an important center of knowledge and culture. It became a key stop for caravans and a hub for the establishment of schools and mosques. El Kef continued to play a pivotal role throughout the Ottoman period, preserving a rich and diverse heritage that reflects the depth and variety of its historical and cultural roots.
El Kef is a city distinguished by its unique historical and cultural identity, where the Abrahamic religions met and their followers—Muslims, Christians, and Jews—lived together in harmony and peace. This coexistence is beautifully reflected in the city’s architectural landscape, where mosques stand side by side with churches and a synagogue, forming a remarkable image that embodies the spirit of tolerance and openness that has characterized El Kef throughout the ages.
El Kef was also one of the main strongholds of the national resistance against colonialism. The blood of Tunisians and Algerians was united in heroic joint battles, the most notable of which was the Sakiet Sidi Youssef events, a powerful testament to the shared struggle and destiny of the two brotherly peoples.
The governorate of El Kef is considered one of the most important agricultural regions in Tunisia, thanks to its exceptional natural resources. With its fertile soil, diverse terrain, and mild climate, the region offers ideal conditions for various types of farming and cultivation.
The area is characterized by a remarkable diversity of agricultural production, including the cultivation of cereals, fruit trees, and vegetables, alongside a significant expansion in olive farming. Olive cultivation has become one of the region’s leading agricultural activities, supported by a network of both traditional and modern olive oil presses.
El Kef’s climate provides ideal conditions for growing fruit trees and forage crops, which encourages investment in fruit and vegetable production as well as livestock breeding, particularly dairy production.
The region is also rich in water resources, thanks to the presence of several major dams such as the Mellègue Dam and the Serrat Dam. These water sources enhance opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture, especially in areas like Tajerouine and Sidi Hmad, which are witnessing a growing number of agricultural projects.
El Kef’s wealth is not limited to its land and water; it also includes a rich forest cover, especially in the mountainous areas where pine forests are widespread. These forests are an important source of zgougou (Aleppo pine seeds), a seasonal product with significant economic value.
The governorate is also distinguished by its rich tourist route, known as the “Crossroads of Civilizations”, due to its unique combination of archaeological and historical landmarks.
| Place | Description |
|---|---|
| The Kasbah | The Kasbah dates back to the 17th century having been built during the Ottoman rule as a military fortress overlooking the city and protecting it from invasions. It was used as a surveillance and defense center thanks to its strategic location at the highest point of the city, providing a comprehensive panoramic view. |
| Basilica | The basilica was built during the Byzantine era, in the fifth or sixth century AD. It was originally a Christian church constructed during a period when Christianity had a strong presence in the region, especially after the decline of Roman influence. |
| Sidi Boumakhlouf corner | The Sidi Boumakhlouf Sufi mosqueis a religious and traditional site located in the Kef Governorate, northwest Tunisia. Known as a place of worship and spiritual gatherings, it is often associated with Sufi orders and is where a well-known saint or saint is honored. |
| The Jewish synagogue | The El Kef Synagogue, known as the Ghriba Synagogue, is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks for Jews in the region. Located in the city of El Kef in northwestern Tunisia, it stands as a testament to the history of the Jewish community that has lived in the region for centuries. |
| Roman ruins | The Kef Governorate is considered rich in Roman monuments, the most important of which are the archaeological site of Altiberus near Dahmani, the Roman baths in the heart of the city of Kef, in addition to the Roman theater, which dates back to the Roman era and is currently used for cultural events. |
| Village Of Craft And Artisanal Arts | The Museum of Customs and Traditions of El Kef is a cultural museum located in the city of El Kef, northwest Tunisia. It aims to collect and display the region's cultural and folkloric heritage. The museum houses a wide range of exhibits that reflect the daily life, customs, traditions, handicrafts, and traditional clothing of the inhabitants of El Kef and the surrounding areas. |
| Jugurtha's table | The Jugurtha Table is one of the most prominent natural and archaeological landmarks in the Kef Governorate of Tunisia. It bears the name of King Jugurtha, the Numidian king who bravely resisted the Romans during the second century BC. This table is a stunning natural and geographical landmark that attracts visitors from all over the world. |
Cultural Circuit
El Kef: The Land of Art
Kef has been and continues to be one of Tunisia's most prominent cultural centers, playing a pivotal role in enriching the national artistic and cultural scene. The city has produced a group of prominent artists and creatives who have left their mark in various fields.
Saliha
Salouha bint Ibrahim bin Abdelhafid, known as Saliha, was a Tunisian singer born in 1914 in Dcheret Neber, Kef Governorate, and died on November 26, 1958, in Tunis. She was distinguished by her sweet voice, which bore a clear Bedouin influence, giving her performances a special and distinctive character in the Tunisian music scene.
Suad Mahasin
Souad Mahassen (October 10, 1952 – April 29, 2023) was a multi-talented Tunisian artist, known as a singer and actress. Her star rose to prominence in the 1970s through her performance of traditional songs, and she also had distinguished experiences in theater, singing, and dance.
Her theatrical career began with a role in the play "The Camel Laughs, Laughs," and she then joined the Tunis Municipal Theatre Troupe, where she spent two years. Among her most notable theatrical roles was her portrayal of the queen in the play "Al-Zir Salem."
Al-Amin Al-Nahdi
Al-Amin Nahdi is a renowned Tunisian actor and theater performer, considered one of the most prominent figures in comedy in Tunisia. He was born on December 26, 1950, in the governorate of El Kef.
He is known for his unique theatrical style, which blends satire with social criticism. His artistic career spans several decades and is rich with diverse works.
Career:
Al-Amin Nahdi began his theatrical activity in the late 1970s and became famous for his solo performances, excelling in the "one-man show" style. He presented several successful plays that resonated widely with the public, such as:
- El Mekki w Zakia
- El Mezwed Dot Com
- Fi Hak Essardouk
- Errezg Besseif
- Nemout Aalek
He also took part in various television and film productions, always making a strong impression thanks to his ability to portray relatable popular characters with a humorous and critical approach.
Issa Harath
Issa Harrath is a prominent Tunisian actor. His career began in the 1960s with the EL KEF Troupe, one of the most active theatrical troupes in Tunisia at the time. He later collaborated with the country's most prominent theatrical troupes, including the Tunisian National Theater and the Tunis City Theatre Troupe. He also had a distinguished career with the Iraqi National Theater.
Over the course of his career, Issa Harrath has participated in more than 50 artistic productions across theater, television, and cinema, making him one of the most prominent figures in the Tunisian art scene.
Festivals
| Festival | The details |
|---|---|
| Berzgan Festival | The Berzgan Festival, also known as "May Day," is a cultural and heritage celebration held annually in the Kef Governorate of Tunisia. Traditionally associated with the tasting of the "berzgan" dish and honoring the region's cultural heritage, the festival reflects the importance of the "berzgan" dish as a symbol of abundance and a celebration of spring and the agricultural seasons. |
| Boumakhlouf International Festival | The Boumakhlouf International Festival, also known as the Sidi Boumakhlouf Festival in Kasserine, is one of the oldest and most famous festivals in the region, having been founded in 1975. It is named after the saint Sidi Boumakhlouf. The festival has seen the participation of Tunisian, Arab, and international artists such as Lotfi Bouchnak, Lotfi Abdelli, Hussein El Deek, Saber Rebai, and Laljerino, in addition to distinguished performances such as Sami Lajmi's "The Visit," as well as various theatrical and choreographic performances. |
| Sicca Jaz | The Seca Jazz Festival is an international music festival held in Kef, Tunisia. It features artists from around the world, performing jazz and Arabic-fusion music, and includes other cultural events such as workshops and exhibitions. The festival's tenth edition was held from April 30 to May 4, 2025. |
| International Festival: 24 hours of uninterrupted theatre | The "24 Hours of Uninterrupted Theater" International Festival is a unique theatrical event held annually in Kef, featuring non-stop theatrical performances for 24 hours a day. The festival aims to celebrate theater in all its forms and styles, bringing together theater professionals from Tunisia and around the world for performances, workshops, and intellectual meetings. This festival is one of the region's most prominent cultural events, reflecting the vitality of the Tunisian theater scene and Kef's deep connection to theater. |
Berzgan Al-Kafi: The Fragrance of Tradition And
The Authenticity Of Cultural Heritage
Couscous barzagan is a festive symbol that marks the end of the harsh winter season, accompanied by cold and frost in northwestern Tunisia, and the beginning of spring and the harbingers of the harvest season. According to popular tradition, the origins of this dish date back to the Numidian era, when the Numidians are said to have prepared it to celebrate the founding of their state in the city of El Kef.
Among the legends circulating about this dish among the people of El Kef is that farmers used to gather their workers during the harvest season and offer them barzagan as an expression of gratitude and hospitality, in a scene that embodies the values of gratitude and collective solidarity.
- Preparation method
