Official Tunisia.com Blog

Today is a holiday in Tunisia and they are coming thick and fast with today being the birthday of the prophet peace be upon him.


We also have youth day and Independence day incoming so the office is closed today.

For many Tunisians and my Tunisian family included this is a time of reflection of the amazing man Mohammed was and the enlightened message bestowed upon him by Allah.

This celebration is somewhat of a discussion point in the Arab world as some believe that as the prophets birthday was not celebrated during his lifetime it is a innovation and thus not permissible and fear that celebration will lead to idolatry.

However we in Tunisia have a more enlightened view that it is important to remember the prophet Mohammed peace be upon him and think about the message and if this is in the context of happiness and family then so the better.

Assida

A special treat for those who like it is assida (I am famous for not loving it so much) which to give the dish its full name is Assidat Ez-Zgougou.

This is a desert and as you can see from the posters in all Tunisian supermarkets it is a big deal come Mouled

http://www.khaoula.com/assida_zgougou.htm.

This mousse comes in white and dark varieties as is usually prepared the night before to allow it to set and is then topped with luxury nuts and sometimes a metal looking chocolate.

Like every time I say I do not love something, Tunisians profess that maybe my mother in law/wife makes bad assida and their wife/mother is the true Assida Master only to be down hearted to discover that like fish I simply do not like it that much.

That aside everyone else loves it and I am sure you will also!