Redeyef is a town in the very west of the Tunisian governorate of Gafsa, and was, according to local sources, called Xanfūsa l-Kaḥla in older days. It is famous for the railway-line that was established for the transport of phosphate between Redeyef and the Eastern coast. The high amount of phosphate resources is, after all, what the town and its surrounding mountainous area are known for. Impressions of Redeyef
Brightly coloured mini railway engine
Landscape
Lampshades for sold at the center's market
Mini roundabout in the city center
Man walking in the street
Mini roundabout in the city center
City hall entrance
Green puplic bath's door with beautiful ornaments
Church transformed into a fighting cub
Colorful painted garbage container
Graffiti arts in the schoolyard
Street sign
Because of the available jobs in the mining industry and the town’s geographical closeness to the Algerian border and to the south Tunisian governorate of Tozeur, Redeyef’s population is very heterogeneous. As a result, the locals’ dialects differ strongly from each other. This is particularly true if those of different origins grew up in different districts, even though their family might have lived in the same place for decades. According to local sources, the majority of the residents belong to the Awlǟd Yaḥya tribe. People are proud of their origin and uphold their traditions and customs. During wedding ceremonies, for instance, the music and the traditional dress demonstrate the families’ origins.
