Gabès (, ; ), also spelled Cabès, Cabes, and Kabes, is the capital of the
Gabès Governorate in
Tunisia
Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Tunisia also shares m ...
. Situated on the coast of the
Gulf of Gabès, the city has a population of 167,863, making it the 6th largest city in Tunisia. Located 327 km southeast of
Tunis
Tunis (, ') is the capital city, capital and largest city of Tunisia. The greater metropolitan area of Tunis, often referred to as "Grand Tunis", has about 2,700,000 inhabitants. , it is the third-largest city in the Maghreb region (after Casabl ...
and 113 km from
Sfax
Sfax ( ; , ) is a major port city in Tunisia, located southeast of Tunis. The city, founded in AD849 on the ruins of Taparura, is the capital of the Sfax Governorate (about 955,421 inhabitants in 2014), and a Mediterranean port. Sfax has a ...
, Gabès lies at the delta of the Wadi Qabis, which originates 10 kilometers upstream at
Ras al-Oued and serves as its primary water source.
Historically, the town was a
Carthaginian settlement known as Tacapae before falling under
Roman control. It was later ruined during the 7th-century Arab invasion but was recovered by Sidi Boulbaba, a revered companion of the
Prophet Muhammad
In Islam, Muhammad () is venerated as the Seal of the Prophets who transmitted the Quran, eternal word of God () from the Angels in Islam, angel Gabriel () to humans and jinn. Muslims believe that the Quran, the central religious text of Isl ...
and a patron of the town. Although it experienced decline under the
Ottomans
Ottoman may refer to:
* Osman I, historically known in English as "Ottoman I", founder of the Ottoman Empire
* Osman II, historically known in English as "Ottoman II"
* Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire (), also called the Turkish Empir ...
, Gabès saw significant growth under French rule from 1881 to 1955, with the development of key infrastructure, including a railway, road network, and port. During
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
, the city served as the headquarters for Germany’s
Afrika Korps
The German Africa Corps (, ; DAK), commonly known as Afrika Korps, was the German expeditionary force in Africa during the North African campaign of World War II. First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of its Africa ...
until British and French forces retook it in 1943.
Today, Gabès is a thriving commercial hub and oasis, with industries spanning fishing, agriculture, textiles, cement, brick manufacturing, and petrochemicals. Tourism also contributes to its economy, making it an important center in southern Tunisia.
History
Etymology
Takapes, the ancient name of Gabès, is a
Punic
The Punic people, usually known as the Carthaginians (and sometimes as Western Phoenicians), were a Semitic people who migrated from Phoenicia to the Western Mediterranean during the Early Iron Age. In modern scholarship, the term ''Punic'' ...
Numidian
Numidia was the ancient kingdom of the Numidians in northwest Africa, initially comprising the territory that now makes up Algeria, but later expanding across what is today known as Tunisia and Libya. The polity was originally divided between ...
(
Berber
Berber or Berbers may refer to:
Ethnic group
* Berbers, an ethnic group native to Northern Africa
* Berber languages, a family of Afro-Asiatic languages
Places
* Berber, Sudan, a town on the Nile
People with the surname
* Ady Berber (1913–196 ...
) toponym. Later, the prefix "Ta" (meaning "the" in Punic) was dropped, and the place became known as Kapes. As in
Arabic
Arabic (, , or , ) is a Central Semitic languages, Central Semitic language of the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family spoken primarily in the Arab world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assigns lang ...
the sound /p/ is unknown, Kapes became known as Kabes, and later known as Gabès.
Roman period
Gabès is the ancient ''Tacapae'' or ''Tacape'' (Τακάπη in
Ancient greek
Ancient Greek (, ; ) includes the forms of the Greek language used in ancient Greece and the classical antiquity, ancient world from around 1500 BC to 300 BC. It is often roughly divided into the following periods: Mycenaean Greek (), Greek ...
) or ''Tacapes'' of the
Roman province
The Roman provinces (, pl. ) were the administrative regions of Ancient Rome outside Roman Italy that were controlled by the Romans under the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. Each province was ruled by a Roman appointed as Roman g ...
of
Tripolitania
Tripolitania (), historically known as the Tripoli region, is a historic region and former province of Libya.
The region had been settled since antiquity, first coming to prominence as part of the Carthaginian empire. Following the defeat ...
.
Strabo
Strabo''Strabo'' (meaning "squinty", as in strabismus) was a term employed by the Romans for anyone whose eyes were distorted or deformed. The father of Pompey was called "Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo, Pompeius Strabo". A native of Sicily so clear-si ...
refers to this city as an important entrepot of the
Lesser Syrtis.
Pliny (18.22) remarks that the waters of a copious fountain at Tacape were divided among the cultivators according to a system where each had the use of the water during a certain interval of time.
The shows Tacape between
Macomades and
Sabratha
Sabratha (; also ''Sabratah'', ''Siburata''), in the Zawiya District[bishopric
In church governance, a diocese or bishopric is the ecclesiastical district under the jurisdiction of a bishop.
History
In the later organization of the Roman Empire, the increasingly subdivided provinces were administratively associate ...](_blank)
that, no longer being a residential see, is included in the
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church (), also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the List of Christian denominations by number of members, largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptized Catholics Catholic Church by country, worldwid ...
's list of
titular sees.
Three of its bishops are known:
* Dulcitius,
legate of the bishops of Tripolitana to the
Council of Carthage (403) and present at the
Conference of Carthage (411)
The Councils of Carthage were church synods held during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries in the city of Carthage in Africa. The most important of these are described below.
Synod of 251
In May 251 a synod, assembled under the presidency of Cypr ...
;
* Servilius, exiled by
Huneric
Huneric, Hunneric or Honeric (died December 23, 484) was King of the (North African) Vandal Kingdom (477–484) and the oldest son of Gaiseric. He abandoned the imperial politics of his father and concentrated mainly on internal affairs. He was ma ...
in 484;
* Caius or Gallus, legate of the bishops of his province to the
Council of Carthage (525).
Islamic Caliphate and the Middle Ages
In the 7th century, the
Umayyad Caliphate
The Umayyad Caliphate or Umayyad Empire (, ; ) was the second caliphate established after the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and was ruled by the Umayyad dynasty. Uthman ibn Affan, the third of the Rashidun caliphs, was also a member o ...
conquered the region, bringing
Islam
Islam is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam are called Muslims, who are estimated to number Islam by country, 2 billion worldwide and are the world ...
to Gabès. One of Prophet
Muhammad's companions,
Abu Lubaba Al'Ansari, settled in the city, contributing to its development as an Islamic center. The following centuries saw a succession of different rulers and dynasties. In 1148, the
Zirids
The Zirid dynasty (), Banu Ziri (), was a Sanhaja Berber dynasty from what is now Algeria which ruled the central Maghreb from 972 to 1014 and Ifriqiya (eastern Maghreb) from 972 to 1148.
Descendants of Ziri ibn Manad, a military leader of th ...
sacked Gabès, causing devastation to the city. During the
Ottoman period, in 1574, Gabès became part of the
Eyalet of Tunis, further cementing its role as a strategic trading hub in the Mediterranean region.
Gabès has been described by notable historians and travelers throughout history. In the 12th century,
al-Idrisi
Abu Abdullah Muhammad al-Idrisi al-Qurtubi al-Hasani as-Sabti, or simply al-Idrisi (; ; 1100–1165), was an Arab Muslim geographer and cartographer who served in the court of King Roger II at Palermo, Sicily. Muhammad al-Idrisi was born in C ...
praised its thriving economy, dense orchards, and bustling markets. He highlighted the city's production of dates, olives, and leather goods, as well as its strong fortifications. In the 14th century, al-Tijani depicted Gabès as a city of beauty and abundance, calling it the "paradise of the world" and "Little
Damascus
Damascus ( , ; ) is the capital and List of largest cities in the Levant region by population, largest city of Syria. It is the oldest capital in the world and, according to some, the fourth Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. Kno ...
" due to its lush greenery and architectural charm. However, he also noted the city's health challenges, attributing frequent epidemics to the
oleander trees that affected the water supply. In 1862,
Victor Guérin
Victor Guérin (; 15 September 1821 – 21 September 1890) was a French people, French intellectual, explorer and amateur archaeologist. He published books describing the geography, archeology and history of the areas he explored, which included ...
described Gabès not as a singular city but as a collection of towns and villages forming a vast oasis, supported by the waters of the
Wadi
Wadi ( ; ) is a river valley or a wet (ephemerality, ephemeral) Stream bed, riverbed that contains water only when heavy rain occurs. Wadis are located on gently sloping, nearly flat parts of deserts; commonly they begin on the distal portion ...
of Gabès.
French rule and the 20th century

In the late 19th century, Tunisia came under French control, and in 1881, Gabès became part of the
French protectorate. This period saw the introduction of modern infrastructure but also economic hardships for the local population. The 20th century brought further turmoil. After the fall of France in 1940, Gabès came under German control during World War II. Later years brought more instability. In 1941, Gabès was the scene of
riots against Jewish communities.
In 1943, British forces assisted in retaking Gabès from German control as part of the
Mareth Line operations, but this led to severe damage to the city's infrastructure. Reconstruction efforts began in 1945 to restore the city's economic and social life.
Gabès played a role in Tunisia's struggle for
independence
Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state, in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the status of ...
from France, and after gaining sovereignty in 1956, the city continued to develop while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Today, Gabès is known for its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with its famous oasis being one of the last coastal oases in the world. Its historical significance remains evident in the archaeological remains and the continued traditions that link it to its rich past.

*
Education
*
University of Gabès
Economy
Gabès is one of the biggest industrial cities in
Tunisia
Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Tunisia also shares m ...
. Most industries are chemical oriented, this is why the city offers one of the best chemistry degrees in Africa from the
University of Gabès. The main industries are:
* Cement
* Chemical products
* Brick Factories
* Oil refinery
The fast-growing numbers of factories has resulted in fairly serious pollution in the area and the
Gulf of Gabès. In recent years the government has worked on new programs and laws to curb pollution.
Transport
Gabès – Matmata International Airport serves the city.
Gabès will soon be upgraded with one light rail system under the number 7 that will run from the railway station to the port of Gabès. Featuring rolling stock made by Alstom, Gabès will receive 15 new train sets.
Railways
Gabès is terminus of a narrow gauge branch railway from the capital, and is the nearest railway station to the
Libyan border at
Ras Ajdir.
Gabès has also one of the biggest ports in Tunisia; it is used usually to ship the mineral products from the city of Gafsa.
Roads
Gabès will be linked soon with the national motorway A1 (Tunis – Ras Ajdir).
Climate
Gabès has a
hot arid climate (
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification divides Earth climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are ''A'' (tropical), ''B'' (arid), ''C'' (te ...
''BWh''), bordering upon a
hot semi-arid climate
A semi-arid climate, semi-desert climate, or steppe climate is a dry climate sub-type. It is located on regions that receive precipitation below potential evapotranspiration, but not as low as a desert climate. There are different kinds of sem ...
(''BSh''), characterised by hot summers and pleasant winters. Rainfall is low throughout the year and negligible during the hot summer.
Culture
Gabès hosts a variety of cultural events that celebrate both its traditions and contemporary arts. One of the city's most notable cultural events is the
Gabès Cinéma Fen, an annual film festival that brings together filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles from across the globe. This festival is a vibrant platform for showcasing innovative and thought-provoking films, with a particular focus on regional cinema. Additionally, Gabès is home to the Bibliothèque régionale de Gabès, a key institution in promoting intellectual and cultural exchange. The library offers a wide range of resources and frequently hosts cultural events, workshops, and educational programs for the local community.
Tourism
Main sights
Gabès is famous for its traditional
Souqs in Jarah; it is known also for its attractive beach and the unusual seaside oasis (Gabès is located on the coast of the Mediterranean).
The most visited place in Gabès is the town
Matmata.
The streets of Gabès come alive at night during Ramadan, where souks are open on the streets and parties happen almost every day in the night during Ramadan.
Among the city's historical and religious landmarks, the Mosque of Sidi Boulbaba and The Mouradi school are the most notable. Also, The Zaouia of Sidi Ahmed Toujani, which is associated with the
Tijani Sufi order
A ''tariqa'' () is a religious order of Sufism, or specifically a concept for the mystical teaching and spiritual practices of such an order with the aim of seeking , which translates as "ultimate truth".
A tariqa has a (guide) who plays the r ...
and remains a center for spiritual gatherings.
World Heritage Status
This Oasis of Gabès was added to the
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...
World Heritage
World Heritage Sites are landmarks and areas with legal protection under an treaty, international treaty administered by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, or scientific significance. The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural ...
Tentative List on May 28, 2008, in the Cultural category.
Oasis de Gabès - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
/ref>
Gallery
ميناء الصيد بقابس.JPG
Phare de Gabès - Mai 2014.jpg
كورنيش-- قابس.JPG, Korniche of Gabès
Palmeraie gabès2.jpg
Rond-point Bab Bhar - Gabès - 2016.jpg, Bab Bhar
Gabes.jpg
Notable people
* Gladys Adda, activist, was born here in 1921
* Juliette Bessis, Tunisian historian, was born here (1925–2017)
*Silvan Shalom
Zion Silvan Shalom (; born 4 August 1958) is an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset for Likud between 1992 and 2015. He held several prominent ministerial positions, including Deputy leaders of Israel#Vice Prime Minister, Vi ...
, Israeli politician, former minister and Knesset
The Knesset ( , ) is the Unicameralism, unicameral legislature of Israel.
The Knesset passes all laws, elects the President of Israel, president and Prime Minister of Israel, prime minister, approves the Cabinet of Israel, cabinet, and supe ...
member
* Tahar Haddad, writer, feminist advocator, activist, reformer (1899–1935)
* Mohamed Ali El Hammi, one of the founding fathers of Tunisian syndicalism, an activist (1890–1928)
See also
* Gabès Governorate, one of the twenty-four governorates (provinces) of Tunisia
* Gulf of Gabès
* University of Gabès, a public university
* List of cities in Tunisia
References
Notes
External links
Gabès official website
Historical images of Gabès
Footage of Gabes in 1912 (YouTube)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gabes
Cities in Tunisia
Oases of Tunisia
Communes of Tunisia
Mediterranean port cities and towns in Tunisia
Tacapae
Populated places in Gabès Governorate
World Heritage Tentative List