Monastir
The city of Monastir–some would say the jewel of the nation. If you don’t have an opinion, you need to visit and see for yourself! Or, if you’ve seen Jesus of Nazareth by Zifferelli or the Life of Brian by Monty Python, then you have indeed caught a glimpse of the setting, at least.
The walaya of Monastir (name base: monastery) has been called a microcosm of Tunisia with its variety of industries– fishing, farming, factories (mostly textile) and tourism. Along with these, the local universities (mainly focused on the sciences) are a strong draw for migratory population from rural parts of Tunisia and also Algeria. The region is quite densely populated, with many hopefuls coming for education or employment. During the summers, the city empties of students and fills with tourists, both from Europe and other parts of North Africa. At the city center, the prominent “Ribat” (fortress) recalls the less peaceful era.
The very pleasant climate, along with the close proximity to the Muslim holy city of Kairouan, made Monastir a popular destination for retired Muslim scholars in past centuries. A trend of being buried in the cemetery at the town center, overlooking the sea, resulted in a tradition of bringing famous leaders here for burial. A few cults have developed around these tombs, in keeping with the practices of Folk Islam which are strong in this region. The Sidi Mazri shrine, as an example, is named for a Muslim scholar from Kairuoan, and hosts an annual festival involving animal sacrifice in prayer for fertility needs or illness during pregnancy. Several places in Monastir are named after this famous expert in Islamic law, now considered an Islamic saint.
A visit to Monastir is incomplete without a mention of the most recent hero of the town. President Habib Bourguiba, who led the nation to independence from French imperialism in 1956, was both born and buried here. He remained president from 1957 until 1987 when he was impeached on medical grounds, and replaced with the current president. He is best known for his reforms in education and women’s rights among many positive social reforms, and is well-loved by the general population. His death in the year 2000, at the age of 96, is recent and well-remembered history.
Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace (Isaiah 54:11-13). I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10).
Pray that truth and understanding will bless this city and be laid as a foundation for the House of God to come into fullness here. Pray that the people would be released from the spirit of ignorance. Many people believe the way they do because others have told them what they are to believe. This has held people in bondage for centuries. There are several people who are hearing the good news week to week, and we need to pray that those seeds will plant deeply and that the beautiful love of Jesus will shine brightly in their lives. There is a sense of pride in this place, being the home of Tunisia’s first president and “jewel of the Mediterranean.” Pray that this spirit of pride would be replaced with a spirit of humility.