Ben Guerdane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bengardane
بنقردان
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 Ben Guerdane
Location in Tunisia
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| Country |  Tunisia |
| Governorate | Medenine |
| Area | |
| • City | 1,827 sq mi (4,732 km2) |
| Population
(2014)
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| • City | 66,567 |
| • Metro | 79,912 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Website | www.commune-bengardene.gov.tn |
Ben Gardane or Bengardane is a coastal town in southeastern Tunisia. It is very close to the border with Libya. The town is located in the Medenine Governorate. It is about 423 to 559 kilometers by road from Tunis, the capital city. This makes it one of the furthest cities from the capital.
Contents
Exploring Ben Gardane: A Tunisian Town
Ben Gardane is an important town in the Medenine Governorate. In 2014, its total population was estimated at 79,912 people. The town is just 32 kilometers from the border between Tunisia and Libya.
A Hub for Trade and Markets
Ben Gardane is well-known in both Tunisia and Libya as a major trading center. It has a busy open exchange market. People from Tunisia often visit to find a wide variety of goods. Many of these items are imported from Libya and are usually less expensive. This makes Ben Gardane a popular place for shopping and trade.
Dromedaries: A Special Part of Ben Gardane
Ben Gardane is famous for its large population of dromedaries, which are one-humped camels. There are an estimated 15,000 dromedaries in the area. To celebrate these animals, an annual festival is held in June. This festival highlights the importance of dromedaries to the local culture and economy.
Historical Events and Significance
Ben Gardane has played a role in history, especially during the Second World War.
Ben Gardane Airfield in World War II
During the Second World War, the Ben Gardane Airfield was used by military planes. From March 9 to March 21, 1943, the 57th Fighter Group used the airfield. They flew P-40 Warhawk planes from here. This was during the Eighth Army's advance into Tunisia from Libya. Spitfires from the 601 Squadron RAF also used the airfield.
The Battle of Ben Guerdane
In March 2016, the town was involved in a significant event known as the Battle of Ben Guerdane. This event showed the town's resilience.
People and Culture: Tribal Diversity
Ben Gardane is home to a mix of different groups, including Berbers and Arabs. These groups formed a strong alliance centuries ago called the Twazin. This alliance was created to protect against invasions, especially from the east towards Libya. Even though there isn't an exact date for when this alliance started, the people of Ben Gardane are still proud of this historical bond.
Besides the Twazin, other large tribes like the Jelidat and Rabai'a have also helped shape the unique heritage, culture, and way of life in Ben Gardane.
See also
In Spanish: Ben Gardane para niños
