Etymology Takapes, the ancient name of Gabès, is a
Punic Numidian (
Berber) toponym. Later, the prefix "Ta" (meaning "the" in Berber) was dropped, and the place became known as Kapes. As in
Arabic the sound /p/ is unknown, Kapes became known as Kabes, and later known as Gabès.
Roman period Gabès is the ancient
Tacapae or
Tacape (Τακάπη in
Ancient greek) or
Tacapes of the
Roman province of
Tripolitania.
Strabo refers to this city as an important entrepot of the
Lesser Syrtis.
Pliny (18.22) remarks that the waters of a copious fountain at Tacape were divided among the cultivators according to a system where each had the use of the water during a certain interval of time. The shows Tacape between
Macomades and
Sabratha.
Bishopric Tacapae became a Christian
bishopric that, no longer being a residential see, is included in the
Catholic Church's list of
titular sees. Three of its bishops are known: • Dulcitius,
legate of the bishops of Tripolitana to the
Council of Carthage (403) and present at the
Conference of Carthage (411); • Servilius, exiled by
Huneric in 484; • Caius or Gallus, legate of the bishops of his province to the
Council of Carthage (525).
Islamic Caliphate and the Middle Ages In the 7th century, the
Umayyad Caliphate conquered the region, bringing
Islam to Gabès. One of Prophet
Muhammad's companions,
Abu Lubaba Al'Ansari, settled in the city, contributing to its development as an Islamic center. The following centuries saw a succession of different rulers and dynasties. In 1148, the
Zirids sacked Gabès, causing devastation to the city. During the
Ottoman period, in 1574, Gabès became part of the
Eyalet of Tunis, further cementing its role as a strategic trading hub in the Mediterranean region. Gabès has been described by notable historians and travelers throughout history. In the 12th century,
al-Idrisi praised its thriving economy, dense orchards, and bustling markets. He highlighted the city's production of dates, olives, and leather goods, as well as its strong fortifications. In the 14th century, al-Tijani depicted Gabès as a city of beauty and abundance, calling it the "paradise of the world" and "Little
Damascus" due to its lush greenery and architectural charm. However, he also noted the city's health challenges, attributing frequent epidemics to the
oleander trees that affected the water supply. In 1862,
Victor Guérin described Gabès not as a singular city but as a collection of towns and villages forming a vast oasis, supported by the waters of the
Wadi of Gabès.
French rule and the 20th century In the late 19th century, Tunisia came under French control, and in 1881, Gabès became part of the
French protectorate. This period saw the introduction of modern infrastructure but also economic hardships for the local population. The 20th century brought further turmoil. After the fall of France in 1940, Gabès came under German control during World War II. Later years brought more instability. In 1941, Gabès was the scene of
riots against Jewish communities. In 1943, British forces assisted in retaking Gabès from German control as part of the
Mareth Line operations, but this led to severe damage to the city's infrastructure. Reconstruction efforts began in 1945 to restore the city's economic and social life. Gabès played a role in Tunisia's struggle for
independence from France, and after gaining sovereignty in 1956, the city continued to develop while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Today, Gabès is known for its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with its famous oasis being one of the last coastal oases in the world. Its historical significance remains evident in the archaeological remains and the continued traditions that link it to its rich past. • == Education ==