Onderweg in Tunis De Aarde en haar Volken, 1909

The narrator steps off a dark‑weathered ship onto a bustling Tunisian quay, instantly welcomed by warm friends who whisk the traveler to a lively residents’ house. From that first night the city unfolds as a blend of modern European touches—tram lines, spacious squares, a bustling post office—and the timeless charm of winding souks and white‑washed houses perched on gentle hills. Sun‑lit streets pulse with horse‑drawn carriages, motorcars and the whispered movements of veiled women, while the distant call of minarets adds an unmistakable oriental melody.

A visit to the influential Monsieur Roy at Dar el‑Bey offers a glimpse of the colonial administration’s inner workings, and a session of the local sharia court underscores the coexistence of legal traditions. The narrator’s observations capture the contrast between lively market chaos and moments of serene, almost monastic silence, setting the stage for an exploration that will wander from Tunis toward the historic ruins of El Djem and the olive groves of Sfax.