Publications
The Challenge of Renewing Djerba as a Destination in the Age of Sustainable Development and Digital Technology
Djerba's tourism system, traditionally characterized by mass beach tourism concentrated in its eastern coastal area, faces significant challenges in renewing its image amid the demands of sustainable development and digital technology. The study reveals that while Djerba is rich in heritage assets, its tourism product has shown limited resilience to crises, leading to the permanent closure of several hotels—a sign of the end of a tourism cycle. To address this, local stakeholders are diversifying offerings and leveraging mobile applications (m-tourism) to promote cultural assets, aiming for more localized and sustainable tourism experiences. The research employs field observations, interviews, official statistics, and webgraphic analysis, comparing findings with theoretical frameworks to explore how Djerba can transition from its mass tourism roots to a more sustainable and digitally integrated model.
Comparative Notes on the Jewish Arabic Dialects of Gabes and Djerba (Tunisia)
Jewish Arabic dialects of Gabes and Djerba, though geographically close, exhibit significant phonological and syntactic distinctions. While Jewish Gabes retains three phonemic vowels and retroflex sibilants, Jewish Djerba shows a reduced vowel system with fronted palatal sibilants. Syntactically, the dialects diverge in future tense markers—Jewish Gabes uses both 'bāš' and 'ḥabb', whereas Jewish Djerba employs 'ḥa', potentially derived from 'ḥabb'. Both dialects also feature topicalisation strategies akin to Chinese-style constructions. This study combines linguistic analysis with field recordings, offering insights into the historical and sociolinguistic dynamics of North African Jewish communities.
Résistance et Dévotion. Anciens sanctuaires ibadites de Djerba
A meticulous historical and architectural study of 48 Ibadite mosques on the island of Djerba reveals the resilience and enduring devotion of a distinct Islamic sect, preserving their legacy through time. Virginie Prevost's work, enriched by Axel Derriks' photography since 2009, documents these ancient sanctuaries to safeguard their memory. The research combines thorough documentation with architectural analysis, offering insights into the Ibadite settlement pattern and their cultural significance in an island territory.
An anthropogenic site for Riella Mont. (Riellaceae, Sphaerocarpales) in Djerba (Tunisia)
A rare and ecologically significant discovery of four Riella species, including one new to Tunisia (Riella bialata), was made in a small anthropogenic pond on Djerba island. This finding highlights the unique biodiversity supported by human-altered habitats, with significant differences in development, life strategies, and ecology among the species. The study combined field observations with spore culture analysis to elucidate their presence in this temporary habitat, raising conservation concerns due to its vulnerability.
New Records of Spheciformes Wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Apoidea) for Djerba Island, Tunisia
Researchers have documented four previously unrecorded species of Spheciformes wasps on Djerba Island, Tunisia, including one from the Crabronidae family (genus Tachysphex) and three from the Philanthidae family (genus Cerceris). This discovery expands the known biodiversity of the island and contributes to the understanding of wasp distribution in Tunisia. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations for these species, offering new insights into their taxonomy and ecology. By analyzing specimens collected on Djerba, the researchers aimed to fill gaps in regional entomological records while highlighting the importance of island ecosystems like those protected under UNESCO's World Heritage designation.
Techno-environmental optimal sizing and dynamic behavior of a hybrid system feeding a large-scale SWRO desalination system: The case of Djerba Island, Tunisia
A hybrid renewable energy system, combining solar and wind power with battery storage, can significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of large-scale seawater desalination. This study demonstrates that an optimal configuration—60.513 MWp solar panels and 13.64 MW wind turbines—lowers water production costs to $0.414/m³ over a 25-year project lifecycle, compared to the current $0.585/m³. The research used hybrid optimization techniques and dynamic system simulations, incorporating real meteorological data from Djerba Island, Tunisia. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also provides a scalable model for future desalination projects in water-scarce regions.
Use of otolith microchemical and morphological analyses for stock discrimination of Sarpa salpa on two Tunisian islands, Djerba and Kerkennah
A groundbreaking study reveals that otolith morphological and microchemical analyses can effectively distinguish between Sarpa salpa fish stocks on the Tunisian islands of Djerba and Kerkennah, marking a significant advancement in fish stock discrimination methods. The research also highlights notable differences between male and female stocks within each population, along with high fluctuating asymmetry in both populations. This dual-method approach, combining traditional morphological analysis with innovative microchemical techniques, demonstrates their complementary power in assessing fish stock dynamics, offering valuable insights for fisheries management and conservation efforts.
Spatial variation of summer microphytoplankton and zooplankton communities related to environmental parameters in the coastal area of Djerba Island (Tunisia, Eastern Mediterranean)
A study of Djerba Island's coastal waters reveals distinct summer microphytoplankton and zooplankton communities shaped by varying pollution levels. The Western Area (WA), marked by high nitrogen nutrients, hosts a dominance of Bacillariophyceae, including adaptive species like Chaetoceros and Navicula, alongside pollution-tolerant copepods such as Paracalanus parvus. Conversely, the Eastern Area (EA) exhibits lower inorganic nitrogen but higher Cyanobacteria abundance, possibly linked to DIP concentrations, with other zooplankton dominating. Despite industrial activities, Djerba's coastal waters maintain a diverse plankton ecosystem, illustrating resilience amid human pressure.
Specific diversity of the benthic macrofauna within the western coast of Tunis bay and the Djerba island coast (South-Western Mediterranean)
Biodiversity of benthic macrofauna is significantly higher along the western coast of Tunis Bay compared to Djerba Island's coast, despite both sites being influenced by anthropogenic pressures. The study analyzed 21 stations—11 on Djerba and 10 in Tunis Bay—using traditional nonparametric biodiversity indices. While community composition differed between the two sites, with species ranks shifting across stations, Djerba's biodiversity has declined due to industrial, urban, and fishing activities, contrasting with Tunis Bay's relatively more stable conditions. The findings underscore the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems, particularly in UNESCO-recognized areas like Djerba.
Changes in leaf ecophysiological traits and proteome profile provide new insights into variability of salt response in the succulent halophyte Cakile maritima
A study on the succulent halophyte Cakile maritima reveals significant differences in salt tolerance between two Tunisian accessions, Djerba and Raoued. Despite lower biomass productivity under saline conditions, the Djerba accession exhibited a higher CO2 assimilation rate compared to Raoued. Proteomic analysis identified distinct salinity-responsive proteins, with Djerba showing an increase in mitochondrial respiration for ATP production, while Raoued displayed higher photorespiration and less pronounced changes in oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, Djerba plants demonstrated enhanced reactive oxygen species scavenging mechanisms, suggesting adaptive strategies for survival in saline environments.
Studies on the Urban History of Meninx (Djerba)
A groundbreaking study on the urban history of Meninx, Djerba's ancient capital and a significant Mediterranean purpur production center, reveals its pivotal role as a maritime hub connecting regional and overregional trade networks. Unlike other North African coastal metropolises, Meninx's economy was entirely focused on marine resources, serving as a critical node between Mediterranean seafaring routes and Saharan inland trade paths. The research, conducted through extensive geophysical surveys and targeted excavations from 2017 to 2018, uncovered rich archaeological evidence spanning from the Punic period (4th century BCE) to late antiquity (7th century CE). Underwater investigations further elucidated the city's harbor infrastructure, providing unprecedented insights into its maritime significance. This synthesis underscores Meninx's unique urban development and economic specialization.
From Djerba to Warjalān
A rare 7th/13th-century Ibadi manuscript letter from Djerba, Tunisia, to the Algerian community of Warjalān sheds light on premodern Maghrib communication and intellectual ties. The unedited letter, part of a neglected corpus in private libraries like El Barounia Library, reveals how Ibadi scholars maintained connections through correspondence. This study highlights the significance of preserving such manuscripts, which have been overlooked due to their fragmented nature and limited accessibility. By contextualizing al-Ṣidghiyānī’s letter within its historical setting, the research underscores the role of epistolary archives in understanding Ibadi intellectual networks.
Impact du tourisme hôtelier sur la production de déchets solides municipaux. Cas de l’île de Djerba, en Tunisie
Tourism-driven waste production on Djerba, Tunisia, varies significantly between high-density resort areas and smaller, independent hotels. A study found that hotel chains concentrated in Midoun generate substantially more municipal solid waste per tourist than small to medium-sized independent hotels in Houmt Souk. This pattern reflects differences in guest behavior, infrastructure, and service models. Researchers analyzed waste production data from both zones, distinguishing between tourist and local populations. The findings highlight the environmental impact of large-scale tourism development and suggest targeted waste management strategies for sustainable island tourism.
Plantes vasculaires nouvelles ou rares pour la Tunisie présentes sur les îles (Galite, Zembra, Kuriat, Monastir, Kerkennah, Kneiss, Djerba)
A groundbreaking study identifies five vascular plant species previously unknown to Tunisia, with two also representing new records for North Africa. These discoveries—Bellis perennis, Carthamus creticus, Moraea mediterranea, Asplenium balearicum, and Galium minutulum—were made on Tunisian islands (Galite, Zembra, Kuriat, Monastir, Kerkennah, Kneiss, Djerba) during field surveys since 2014. Additionally, the research documents 24 rare or poorly known taxa, most of which hold significant biogeographical interest and were predominantly found on eastern coastal islands. The findings underscore the critical role of these islands as biodiversity hotspots, emphasizing their importance for conserving Tunisia’s coastal plant diversity.
The Banū Yahrāsan, Political and Sacred Leaders in Ibāḍī Djerba
Research reveals that the Banū Yahrāsan, a prominent Ibāḍī family, established a lasting political and religious authority on Djerba from the 10th century. This hereditary leadership not only shaped the island's governance but also left an enduring legacy in its sacred geography, with their influence persisting through mosques and mausoleums still revered today. The study, based on historical texts including those of Sulaymān al-Ḥīlātī, highlights how this golden age of Ibāḍī rule captivated later generations, underscoring the family's role in founding the ḥalqa—a key institution for the Ibāḍī Maghreb. The analysis also suggests a shift toward collegial governance and conflict resolution within their leadership structure.
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plant in Djerba island, Tunisia
An ethnobotanical study on Djerba Island, Tunisia, identifies 86 medicinal plants with significant traditional pharmacopoeia uses, primarily from the Asteraceae family. The research documents diverse plant applications, with leaves being the most utilized part (59%) and decoction as the predominant preparation method. This cataloguing effort highlights the island's rich botanical heritage, offering a valuable database for future scientific exploration of natural substances. The study employed semi-structured interviews and direct observations over one year, engaging both local residents and non-residents to capture comprehensive traditional knowledge.
An Ibadi Islandscape: Ibadi Communities on Djerba in the Medieval Period (Chapter 14)
Djerba's medieval history, characterized by its unique Ibadi 'islandscape,' is revealed through overlapping layers of geography, ecology, social settlement patterns, and commercial activities. This approach deviates from traditional chronological surveys, instead focusing on how these interconnected elements shaped the island's identity during the medieval period. The study highlights Djerba as a distinctive case study within Islamic history, offering insights into the spatial organization and socio-economic dynamics of Ibadi communities in an island territory.
Deux représentations contradictoires d’un mode de vie insulaire. Patrimoine ou habitat sur l’île de Djerba en Tunisie ?
Two contrasting perspectives on island settlement patterns emerge from this study of Djerba, Tunisia. The research highlights the tension between economic development—driven by tourism and rental practices—and heritage preservation, focusing on traditional agricultural and residential units called 'menzel' and 'houch.' While local stakeholders, including the Association for the Preservation of Djerba (Assidje), advocate for protecting these structures as cultural heritage, others prioritize their adaptation to modern demands. The study reveals how this duality shapes environmental transformation and raises critical questions about balancing heritage conservation with evolving land-use practices.
Distribution of benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the transitional environment of the Djerba lagoon (Tunisia)
Research on the Djerba lagoon, Tunisia, reveals a salinity gradient that significantly impacts seagrass distribution and environmental conditions, transitioning from hypersaline to normal marine environments. The study, conducted in July 2014, analyzed surface sediment and seawater samples to measure grain size, organic matter content, and living foraminiferal assemblages, while also assessing the concentration of 17 chemical elements. Key findings include the adaptation of benthic foraminifera to varying conditions, with species like Ammonia spp. and Haynesina depressula thriving in hypersaline waters, Brizalina striatula dominating seagrass-colonized areas, and epifaunal species such as Rosalina vilardeboana and Amphistegina spp. inhabiting hard substrata near the lagoon's seaward transition. This research highlights the ecological resilience of foraminiferal assemblages in transitional coastal environments.
Impact of industrial phosphate waste discharge on the marine environment in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia)
Industrial phosphate waste discharge from the Gabes phosphate industry in Tunisia significantly impacts marine environments, leading to severe pollution and eutrophication in the Gulf of Gabes. Unlike the eastern coast of Djerba, which remains relatively pristine due to the absence of industrial activity, the study reveals stark contrasts between polluted and clean adjacent areas. Researchers employed a combination of sedimentary analysis techniques—including sequential extractions (SEDEX), Rock-Eval, elemental analysis, stable carbon isotope composition, and X-ray diffraction—as well as water quality measurements and underwater video surveys. These methods exposed clear differentiations in environmental conditions, highlighting the detrimental effects of untreated phosphogypsum waste on marine ecosystems.
Estimating willingness to pay for desalinated seawater: the case of Djerba Island, Tunisia
A significant majority of households on Djerba Island, Tunisia, support the use of desalinated water to address water scarcity, yet fewer are willing to pay for it. This study combines a contingent valuation survey with joint modeling to assess societal support and household willingness to pay (WTP) for desalinated seawater—a relationship not previously explored in research. Findings indicate that while desalination is widely accepted as a solution to water stress, the financial viability of such projects remains uncertain due to low WTP. The research underscores the need to evaluate WTP in developing countries before investing in large-scale desalination infrastructure, ensuring cost recovery and sustainable water management.
Les potiers de Guellala (Djerba)
The potters of Guellala, Djerba, have successfully transformed their relationship with tourism, moving beyond traditional artisan roles to reclaim agency over their craft and market presence. Unlike urban artisans who abandoned tradition for industrial production or hotel employment, the potters in Guellala strategically repositioned themselves by relocating workshops near tourist routes and collaborating with local drivers to promote their products. This informal yet strategic mediation leverages social capital, demonstrating how resilience and adaptability can redefine heritage practices within a tourism-driven economy.
Reducing barriers how the Jews of Djerba are using tourism to assert their place in the modern nation state of Tunisia
The Jewish community of Djerba, Tunisia, is leveraging tourism to reassert its role within the modern nation-state while preserving the vitality of its annual pilgrimage to El Ghriba, the oldest synagogue in North Africa. This strategy addresses challenges such as population decline and political underrepresentation, as well as security concerns following a 2002 attack and the 2011 revolution. The study analyzes how tourism serves as a tool for the community to affirm its citizenship, with the pilgrimage now supported by state officials and protected by military forces, underscoring its significance to Tunisia's economic and security landscape.
Remembering the Jewish Past through Song in Contemporary Tunisia
Tunisian Jews and Muslims have reclaimed the ughniyya, a once-dominant popular song form of the protectorate era, as part of their shared cultural heritage. Originally performed primarily by Tunisian Jews until World War II, these songs were denigrated during the nationalist movement but survived in diasporic communities and on Djerba through musicians like Yacoub Bsiri. Since the late 1980s, Tunisian Muslims have worked to rediscover and rehabilitate these songs, though some efforts have erased their Jewish associations, presenting them as timeless rural folklore. The ughniyya continues to be performed in both Arabic and Hebrew at the annual pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue on Djerba, symbolizing a nostalgic celebration of Tunisia's Jewish-Arab past.
Clients reviews on the web : toward a new knowledge of touristic space. Case of Djerba in Tunisia
Online travel reviews, particularly on platforms like Tripadvisor, offer a new lens to understand touristic spaces and societal dynamics. This study reveals that such digital feedback from tourists provides granular insights into the experiences of visitors to Djerba, Tunisia, highlighting shifts in tourism patterns and the roles of various stakeholders. By analyzing these reviews, researchers can uncover nuanced perspectives on geographical spaces that traditional methods may overlook. The approach leverages user-generated content to assess tourist perceptions, behaviors, and the impact of digital tools on spatial knowledge. This method not only challenges conventional geographical narratives but also underscores the potential of crowdsourced data in shaping our understanding of heritage sites like Djerba.
La synagogue de la Ghriba à Djerba. Réflexions sur l’inclusivité d’un sanctuaire partagé en Tunisie
The synagogue of the Ghriba on Djerba, Tunisia, stands as a rare example of sustained interreligious inclusivity in the Maghreb, where Jews and Muslims have shared the site for centuries. Unlike other regions where Jewish communities dwindled due to emigration, Djerba retained its mixed religious practices until recent decades. However, the study reveals that this inclusivity has been significantly disrupted by events such as the 2002 Al-Qaïda attack and the aftermath of the Tunisian Revolution (2011), which limited both the physical presence of Jewish Tunisians and their return for annual pilgrimages. The research highlights the synagogue's role in fostering a shared memory and identity, while also questioning the sustainability of such interconfessionality in modern times. The study combines historical analysis with ethnographic observations to explore this unique phenomenon.
Stock discrimination of two insular populations of Diplodus annularis (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sparidae) along the coast of Tunisia by analysis of otolith shape
Research on the annular seabream (Diplodus annularis) in Tunisia reveals distinct stock structures between populations from Djerba and Kerkennah islands, as evidenced by significant differences in otolith shape asymmetry. The study analyzed 120 specimens using Fourier coefficients to assess left-right otolith variability, finding that while males and females from Kerkennah displayed symmetry, Djerba's male population exhibited asymmetry, indicating potential sexual dimorphism unique to this site. These findings suggest the two populations belong to separate stocks, a critical insight for fisheries management. The study highlights the need for further research to determine whether these morphological differences stem from environmental factors or genetic variations.
Automatic Measurement of Shoreline Change on Djerba Island of Tunisia
Between 1984 and 2009, Djerba Island, Tunisia, experienced significant coastal dynamics, with erosion rates reaching -6.95 m/year in Aghir and accretion trends of up to +21.14 m/year in El Kastil. These findings were derived from advanced image processing techniques, including the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) and Landsat imagery, which provided precise measurements of shoreline changes across three key regions: Rass Errmall, El Kastil, and Aghir. The study highlights both erosion and accretion processes along Djerba's coast, offering critical insights into the island's evolving settlement patterns within a UNESCO World Heritage context.
Sharing the Sacra
The concept of 'shared' sites, where distinct religious communities interact or clash, reveals that tolerance and intercommunalism are both possible and perpetually threatened. This volume, based on fieldwork from diverse locations including Djerba in Tunisia, demonstrates the complexity of these dynamics through historical processes such as the evolution of Chinese funerals and memorial commemoration post-Vietnam War, as well as specific events like Pope John Paul II's visit to shared shrines in Sri Lanka or the Al-Qaeda bombing of a Jewish synagogue on Djerba. The study underscores the importance of understanding wider social contexts to grasp the fragility and potential of tolerance in multicultural settings.
Vers un tourisme durable en Tunisie : le cas de l'île de Djerba
A new method for assessing the economic and environmental impacts of tourism on Djerba, Tunisia, reveals that mass tourism-driven hospitality generates the most wealth and employment, while agroalimentary and fishing sectors contribute significantly through indirect effects. This 'method of masses' challenges previous multiplier coefficients by aligning tourism's economic role with local economic structures. The study also evaluates existing environmental regulations and proposes integrating instruments from the World Tourism Organization to ensure sustainable development without compromising Djerba's natural heritage.
Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Essential Oil ofRosmarinus officinalisCultivated in Djerba
A novel chemotype of essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis, characterized by the presence of 1,8-cineole/camphor/α-pinene/verbenone/borneol, was identified in Djerba, Tunisia. This discovery expands the known chemical diversity of Tunisian rosemary oils and demonstrates that cultivated plants exhibit similar antioxidant and antibacterial properties to wild-growing species. The study employed GC-MS analysis for chemical profiling, DPPH assay for antioxidant activity assessment, and agar-well diffusion method for antibacterial testing against six bacterial strains. Results revealed moderate antioxidant activity (IC50: 4.186–7.298 mg/mL) and strong to moderate antibacterial efficacy (MIC: 0.156–5 mg/mL), underscoring the potential of Djerba's rosemary oils for therapeutic applications.
Polymorphism Study of the Insulin Receptor Substrate IRS1 and IRS2 Genes Associated with Type 2 Diabetes in Ethnic Groups of Djerba Island
A study on Djerba Island, Tunisia, found no association between specific genetic variants (Gly972 Arg and Ala513Pro in IRS1, Gly1057 Asp in IRS2) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Arab and Berber ethnic groups. The research compared genotype and allelic frequencies between T2DM patients and healthy controls using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Despite examining these insulin receptor substrate gene polymorphisms, no significant differences were observed, suggesting these variants do not contribute to T2DM risk in the studied populations.
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