Matmata: Tunisia's Ancient Berber Hamlet

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [athara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad 'an 'ara al-qaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid 'an 'udfi', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-nejda!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [itassil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [lakad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود شراء...
  [awad shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bikam hadha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd al-sa'ar?]

• What time is it?كم الوقت؟
  [kam al-waqt?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'at al-wahida]
• Half past (10)ونصف (10)
  [wansaf (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-subah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [al-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al-ainan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an tarini (ala al-kharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yati al-hafla at-taliya?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkira (ila ...)]

Matmata is renowned for its distinctive troglodyte dwellings, which are traditional underground homes carved out of soft sandstone. These structures date back to antiquity and have been a unique adaptive response to the region's harsh climate. The homes remain cool in the intense heat of the summer and retain warmth during the cold winter months. This architectural ingenuity reflects the resourcefulness and resilience of the Berber inhabitants.

The Berber community has a long-standing presence in Matmata, with a rich cultural heritage that has influenced the area’s traditions, language, and lifestyle. The Berbers, also known as the Amazigh, are indigenous to North Africa and have preserved their unique identity despite various historical invasions and influences. Their traditional music, dance, and crafts continue to be integral parts of Matmata's cultural fabric.

Matmata gained international fame when it was used as a filming location for the original 'Star Wars' movie in 1977. The troglodyte homes were featured as the iconic Lars homestead, the childhood home of Luke Skywalker. This has since attracted numerous tourists and fans of the franchise, adding a modern pop-cultural layer to the area's historical significance.

During the French colonial period in Tunisia, which lasted from 1881 to 1956, Matmata experienced significant changes. The French influence brought new administrative structures, roads, and schools to the region. Despite these changes, the local Berber population managed to preserve much of their traditional way of life, including their unique architectural style.

In 1967, Matmata was hit by a devastating flood that displaced many residents and led to significant damage to the traditional troglodyte homes. The flood prompted government intervention and the construction of new housing on higher ground. However, many locals chose to return to their underground homes, reinforcing their deep connection to this unique way of life.

Today, Matmata is a blend of ancient traditions and modern tourism. While many residents continue to live in their troglodyte homes, the area has also developed to accommodate visitors. Hotels, restaurants, and guided tours offer insights into the region’s history, culture, and the remarkable architecture that has stood the test of time.

Matmata is located in southern Tunisia, approximately 40 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. The nearest airport is Gabès – Matmata International Airport, located about 45 kilometers from Matmata. Alternatively, you can fly into Tunis-Carthage International Airport, which is about 450 kilometers away. From either airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car. There are also buses and louages (shared taxis) that run from major cities like Tunis, Sfax, and Gabès to Matmata.

Within Matmata, the best way to get around is on foot, given the small size of the town. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Louages (shared taxis) are a popular and cost-effective mode of transportation for traveling to nearby towns and cities. Car rentals are also an option if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

The official currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments. ATMs are available in the nearby town of Gabès, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Matmata to ensure you have enough funds for your stay.

Matmata is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 197 for police assistance or 190 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is located in Gabès, about 45 kilometers away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Matmata where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Matmata like a local, visit the traditional troglodyte homes, which are cave dwellings carved into the mountains. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their unique lifestyle and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Berber cuisine. For a unique experience, take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the troglodyte homes, some of which were featured in the Star Wars films.