Béni Khalled Explained

Official Name:Béni Khalled
Settlement Type:Commune and town
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Tunisia
Subdivision Type1:Governorate
Subdivision Name1:Nabeul Governorate
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population As Of:2014
Population Total:23356
Timezone:CET
Utc Offset:+1

Béni Khalled is a town and commune in the west of Nabeul Governorate, Tunisia, about 42 km from the capital Tunis. As of 2004 it had a population of 12,573.[1] Béni Khalled is considered an important agricultural town in the region due to its citrus fruit production; it contributes about 45% of the national export of the fruit. It also produces a high percentage of multiple strategic crops including grapes, potatoes and spices as well as raising livestock, milk production and beekeeping. The municipal area covers around 600 ha.

In 1999, the commune received Presidential Award of "The Cleanest Municipality of Tunisia".

History

The origins of the city of Béni Khalled go back to the Amazighen era, when it had the name "Sholl". It was later influenced by the Punic civilization after the establishment of Carthage; epigraphic texts show the history of the municipal system of the city during the Punic and Roman era. The city acquired the Roman municipal system which especially includes municipal councils and ceremonial.

No mention has been traced of the city of Béni Khalled in old Arabic sources; there is only some information about the Muslim "conquest" of the Cape Bon.

A short film about the history of Beni Khalled was released by the Virtual Experience Company in 2020, and can be found HERE

Institutions

Cultural events and institutions

Several cultural events, such as the Spring Festival (held more than 32 times)[2] and the Golden Orange Festival (held for the first time on 14 March 2015),[3] are organized by the city of Béni Khalled.

There are three primary schools, a prep school, a secondary school and a private secondary school.

Other cultural and youth institutions include a library, Youth and Children's Club House, several kindergartens, 20 mosques, and the Quran House.

Economic institutions

Farming services ARPEL comprise several orange, dates and olive oil roll stations for export. There are six branches of major commercial banks in Tunisia.

Personalities

The notable personalities of Béni Khalled include:

See also

References

36.65°N 46°W

Notes and References

  1. Recensement de 2004 (Institut national de la statistique)
  2. Web site: Festival du printemps de Béni Khalled du 18 au 24 mars. Turess. 2019-01-20.
  3. Web site: Festival de l'orange d'or à Beni Khalled : le plus grand verre de jus d'orange en Tunisie (Photos). JawharaFM. 2019-01-20.
  4. Web site: A propos des Agences Foncières. Leaders. fr. 2019-01-20.
  5. Web site: Turess : Résultats de recherche sur : L'histoire d'un homme HAMIDA BEN GACEM. www.turess.com. 2019-01-20.