About
Neapolis
Nabeul
(Neapolis, or New City) ancient battlefield for the Greek founded in
the 5th Century AC and twin sister to an other Neapolis (Naples,
Italy), is the Capital of the Ceramic in Tunisia.
Thanks to its strategic location in the Central Coast of the Mediterranean
and the diversity of its agricultural produces, Nabeul has known a
massive flow of immigrants from all over the Mediterranean who
brought with them a know-how in agriculture development as well as
in manufacturing industries.
Known since the Greek and Roman eras for its pottery made out of fine
terra cotta, Nabeul has developed a more diversified quality of
pottery with the arrival of Islam to the Region, by shifting it
styles to the well-known Persian Decor (current Iran)
Ceramics has been since considered for Mosques and Palaces Decor.
Nabeul has know three major stages in its optimization of techniques
and pottery production.
In a first stage,
Nabeul's pottery shown strong development signs following the
influence of the Renaissance Movement, born in the neighboring
Italy.
Later on, Muslims chased from Andalusia, Spain (15th Century DC)
after the conquest of Spain by the Catholics, found refuge in the
Region of Nabeul and neighboring areas.
A last major influence on the fired pottery production took place
when the Country became under French Protectorate (19-20th Century
DC)
A dozen of Mom & Pop companies, in major part of Andalusia, Spain
origins, supply about 80% of the Tunisian overall Ceramics
production, consisting of : building and hardware (bathroom and
kitchen decor) , decorative (ceramic murals and tiles) , and
kitchenware products (dinnerware and tea sets.)
The increasing number of tourists visiting the region has
contributed to the growth of pottery production, soliciting artisans
to come out with designs to meet the "European Tastes."
Today, local authorities finance networks of schools to teach the art of
pottery in order to boost supply, and support meeting the
international demand for Mom and Pop factories.
Nabeul's ceramics are mainly exported to Italy, Malta, France,
Greece, Spain, UK., Germany, Belgium, Argentina, Australia, Canada
... and in recent years to the United States.
Wall murals and backsplashes are a "must have" in every Tunisian
house.
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