Kerkennah Islands
The Kerkenna Islands, formerly Kyrannis (Greek ), called later Cercina (Latin ), then Kerkenah قرقنة (arab ) are an archipelago off the east coast of Tunisia in the Gulf of Gabes, about 20 km off the mainland ( Sfax ) located. The island group is one of 16 municipalities ( delegation ) of the governorate of Sfax. It consists of the two nearby main islands Chergui and Garbi and several smaller uninhabited islands. The main town Remla is located about 16 km away from Kerkennas connection to the mainland port ( Port de Sidi Youssef ). The islands are connected by a regular ferry service to the mainland Tunisia (Sfax ).
Demography
The population of the islands is called Kerkenna Kerkennis. Their origin is derives from Greeks who are coming from nearby Malta, Arabized and converted to Islam. The Kerkennis have developed their own culture and are known for their typical folklore. Tunisian Arabic is spoken with a local accent, which derives many expressions from the French.
The islands are inhabited by about 14,000 residents. During the summer months, the population can, however, increase to up to 120,000, due mostly European tourists and Kerkennis who otherwise live in other parts of Tunisia or abroad.
Villages
- Abbassia
- Ouled Ezzeddine
- Ouled Kacem
- Ouled Yaneg
- Chergui
- El- Attaya
- El- Jouaber
- Kellabine
- Kraten
- Mellita
- Ouled Bou Ali
- Remla ( capital )
- Sidi Fredj
- Sidi Youssef
- Krayab ( innajat )
History
- 600-200 BC, discovered by the Carthaginians
- 500-200 BC Carthaginian era
- From 200 BC Roman era. After his flight from Rome ( Lucius Cornelius Sulla before ) is to the Roman general Gaius Marius according to Plutarch in the year 88 BC have been hiding on Cercina, because he had some of his veterans here given country. He returned 87 BC returned to Rome, where he committed bloody revenge on Sulla's supporters.
- From 697 AD Islamic period
- From 1212 Spanish era
- From 1451-1851 Ottoman era
- 1851 modern era