Gabès

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City in Tunisia

title: "Gabès" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["cities-in-tunisia", "oases-of-tunisia", "communes-of-tunisia", "mediterranean-port-cities-and-towns-in-tunisia", "catholic-titular-sees-in-africa", "populated-places-in-gabès-governorate", "world-heritage-tentative-list", "oasis-towns"] description: "City in Tunisia" topic_path: "geography" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabès" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary City in Tunisia ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

FieldValue
official_nameGabès
native_nameقابس - ڨابس
native_name_langar
settlement_typeCity
image_skylineميناء الصيد البحري - قابس.JPG
imagesize275px
image_captionView of Gabès bay
pushpin_mapTunisia
subdivision_typeCountry
subdivision_nameTUN Tunisia
subdivision_type1Governorate
subdivision_name1Gabès Governorate
subdivision_type2Delegation(s)
subdivision_name2Gabes Medina, Gabes West, Gabes South
leader_title1Mayor
leader_name1Mohamed Aziz Ibrahim Jed (SFBT)
established_title2
established_title3
population_total167863
<ref name"Gabesmun"
timezoneCET
utc_offset+1
timezone_DSTCEST
utc_offset_DST+2
coordinates
websiteOfficial website
::

| official_name = Gabès | native_name = قابس - ڨابس | native_name_lang = ar | settlement_type = City | nickname = | motto = | image_skyline = ميناء الصيد البحري - قابس.JPG | imagesize = 275px | image_caption = View of Gabès bay | image_flag = | image_seal = | pushpin_map = Tunisia | mapsize = | map_caption = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = TUN Tunisia | subdivision_type1 = Governorate | subdivision_name1 = Gabès Governorate | subdivision_type2 = Delegation(s) | subdivision_name2 = Gabes Medina, Gabes West, Gabes South | leader_title1 = Mayor | leader_name1 = Mohamed Aziz Ibrahim Jed (SFBT) | leader_title2 = | leader_name2 = | leader_title3 = | leader_name3 = | established_title = | established_date = | established_title2 = | established_date2 = | established_title3 = | established_date3 = | area_magnitude = | area_total = | TotalArea_sq_mi = | area_land = | LandArea_sq_mi = | area_water = | WaterArea_sq_mi = | area_water_percent = | area_urban = | UrbanArea_sq_mi = | area_metro = | MetroArea_sq_mi = | population_as_of = | population_total = 167863 | population_density = | population_density_mi2 = | population_metro = | population_density_metro_km2 = | population_density_metro_mi2 = | population_urban = | timezone = CET | utc_offset = +1 | timezone_DST = CEST | utc_offset_DST = +2 | coordinates = | elevation = | elevation_ft = | postal_code_type = | postal_code = | website = Official website | footnotes =

Gabès (, ; ), also spelled Cabès, Cabes, and Kabes, is the capital of the Gabès Governorate in Tunisia. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Gabès, the city has a population of 167,863, making it the 6th largest city in Tunisia. Located 327 km southeast of Tunis and 113 km from Sfax, Gabès lies at the delta of the Wadi Qabis, which originates 10 kilometers upstream at Ras al-Oued and serves as its primary water source.

Historically, the town was a Carthaginian settlement known as Tacapae before falling under Roman control. It was later ruined during the 7th-century Arab invasion but was recovered by Sidi Boulbaba, a revered companion of the Prophet Muhammad and a patron of the town. Although it experienced decline under the Ottomans, Gabès saw significant growth under French rule from 1881 to 1955, with the development of key infrastructure, including a railway, road network, and port. During World War II, the city served as the headquarters for Germany's Afrika Korps until British and French forces retook it in 1943.

Today, Gabès is a thriving commercial hub and oasis, with industries spanning fishing, agriculture, textiles, cement, brick manufacturing, and petrochemicals. Tourism also contributes to its economy, making it an important center in southern Tunisia.

History

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 Tabula Peutingeriana 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:

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

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Plan_Gabes_1928.jpg" caption="1928 map of Gabès under the French."] ::

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.[[File:Plan Gabes 1928.jpg|thumb|right|1928 map of Gabè]]

Education

Politics

In 2018, Nesrine Rajeh was appointed the mayor of the fourth district of Gabes, making her the first woman to hold the position.

Economy

Gabès is one of the biggest industrial cities in Tunisia. Most industries are chemical oriented, this is why the city offers one of the best chemistry degrees in Africa from the University of Gabès. The main industries are:

  • Cement
  • Chemical products
  • Brick Factories
  • Oil refinery

The fast-growing numbers of factories has resulted in fairly serious pollution in the area and the Gulf of Gabès. In recent years the government has worked on new programs and laws to curb pollution.

Environment

Due to the presence of many factories, the city has been suffering from air pollution for several years.

In October 2025, thousands of locals marched in the streets to protest the worsening air quality, particularly targeting a state-owned phosphate plant after a gas leak from the facility caused dozens of people to suffer from suffocation. Later, the number went up to over 120 people. In response, the president of Tunisia Kais Saied and top officials directed to begin looking for fast and comprehensive solutions for the environmental crises in the region.

Transport

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Façades_de_la_gare_de_chemin_de_fer_de_Gabès.JPG" caption="Gare of Gabès"] ::

Gabès – Matmata International Airport serves the city.

Gabès will soon be upgraded with one light rail system under the number 7 that will run from the railway station to the port of Gabès. Featuring rolling stock made by Alstom, Gabès will receive 15 new train sets.

Railways

Gabès is terminus of a narrow gauge branch railway from the capital, and is the nearest railway station to the Libyan border at Ras Ajdir. Gabès has also one of the biggest ports in Tunisia; it is used usually to ship the mineral products from the city of Gafsa.

Roads

Gabès will be linked soon with the national motorway A1 (Tunis – Ras Ajdir).

Climate

Gabès has a hot arid climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), bordering upon a hot semi-arid climate (BSh), characterised by hot summers and pleasant winters. Rainfall is low throughout the year and negligible during the hot summer.

|metric first = yes |single line = yes |location = Gabès (1991–2020, extremes 1950–present) |Jan record high C = 29.3 |Feb record high C = 33.9 |Mar record high C = 41.0 |Apr record high C = 38.2 |May record high C = 43.6 |Jun record high C = 46.5 |Jul record high C = 49.1 |Aug record high C = 46.6 |Sep record high C = 44.2 |Oct record high C = 40.9 |Nov record high C = 35.0 |Dec record high C = 31.2 |year record high C = 46.7 |Jan high C = 17.1 |Feb high C = 18.2 |Mar high C = 20.2 |Apr high C = 22.6 |May high C = 25.6 |Jun high C = 28.4 |Jul high C = 31.4 |Aug high C = 32.5 |Sep high C = 30.5 |Oct high C = 27.5 |Nov high C = 22.8 |Dec high C = 18.3 |year high C = 24.6 |Jan mean C = 12.6 |Feb mean C = 13.4 |Mar mean C = 15.8 |Apr mean C = 18.5 |May mean C = 21.9 |Jun mean C = 25.1 |Jul mean C = 27.8 |Aug mean C = 28.8 |Sep mean C = 26.8 |Oct mean C = 23.3 |Nov mean C = 18.2 |Dec mean C = 13.9 |year mean C = 20.5 |Jan low C = 8.1 |Feb low C = 8.6 |Mar low C = 11.5 |Apr low C = 14.5 |May low C = 18.3 |Jun low C = 21.8 |Jul low C = 24.2 |Aug low C = 25.1 |Sep low C = 23.2 |Oct low C = 19.1 |Nov low C = 13.6 |Dec low C = 9.4 |year low C = |Jan record low C = -2.7 |Feb record low C = -2.0 |Mar record low C = 0.9 |Apr record low C = 4.6 |May record low C = 8.2 |Jun record low C = 12.0 |Jul record low C = 15.6 |Aug record low C = 16.8 |Sep record low C = 14.4 |Oct record low C = 6.8 |Nov record low C = 2.6 |Dec record low C = 0.0 |year record low C = -2.7 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation mm = 24.4 |Feb precipitation mm = 12.0 |Mar precipitation mm = 17.1 |Apr precipitation mm = 16.8 |May precipitation mm = 10.4 |Jun precipitation mm = 1.9 |Jul precipitation mm = 0.5 |Aug precipitation mm = 3.1 |Sep precipitation mm = 30.1 |Oct precipitation mm = 30.7 |Nov precipitation mm = 18.7 |Dec precipitation mm = 23.9 |year precipitation mm = 189.5 |unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm |Jan precipitation days = 2.9 |Feb precipitation days = 2.3 |Mar precipitation days = 2.0 |Apr precipitation days = 2.0 |May precipitation days = 1.5 |Jun precipitation days = 0.5 |Jul precipitation days = 0.0 |Aug precipitation days = 0.3 |Sep precipitation days = 2.1 |Oct precipitation days = 3.0 |Nov precipitation days = 2.1 |Dec precipitation days = 2.5 |year precipitation days = |Jan humidity = 62 |Feb humidity = 59 |Mar humidity = 62 |Apr humidity = 63 |May humidity = 65 |Jun humidity = 66 |Jul humidity = 63 |Aug humidity = 65 |Sep humidity = 66 |Oct humidity = 64 |Nov humidity = 62 |Dec humidity = 64 |year humidity = 63 |Jan sun = 214.1 |Feb sun = 226.8 |Mar sun = 251.9 |Apr sun = 274.1 |May sun = 308.4 |Jun sun = 322.2 |Jul sun = 354.0 |Aug sun = 335.1 |Sep sun = 259.4 |Oct sun = 247.8 |Nov sun = 218.1 |Dec sun = 211.1 |year sun = |Jand sun = 7.1 |Febd sun = 7.7 |Mard sun = 8.1 |Aprd sun = 8.9 |Mayd sun = 10.1 |Jund sun = 10.7 |Juld sun = 12.0 |Augd sun = 11.4 |Sepd sun = 9.3 |Octd sun = 8.4 |Novd sun = 7.6 |Decd sun = 6.8 |yeard sun = 9.0 |source 1 = Institut National de la Météorologie (humidity 1961–1990, sun 1981-2010){{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191219211209/http://data.transport.tn/dataset/9e1ed3a1-69f5-4ef9-a05e-daa8126fdb7c/resource/acf0d32e-92b3-4247-9281-1b3a1587d23f/download/normales_1981_2010.txt | archive-date = 19 December 2019 | url = http://data.transport.tn/dataset/9e1ed3a1-69f5-4ef9-a05e-daa8126fdb7c/resource/acf0d32e-92b3-4247-9281-1b3a1587d23f | title = Les normales climatiques en Tunisie entre 1981 2010 | publisher = Ministère du Transport | language = fr | access-date = 4 January 2020}}{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191221032155/http://data.transport.tn/dataset/c8d4b465-056c-41e2-a666-05160d19784e/resource/3d38ac83-8a3c-4207-b327-9684131292b3/download/normales_1961_1990.txt | archive-date = 21 December 2019 | url = http://data.transport.tn/dataset/normales-climatiques-en-tunisie-entre-1961-1990/resource/3d38ac83-8a3c-4207-b327-9684131292b3 | title = Données normales climatiques 1961-1990 | publisher = Ministère du Transport | language = fr | access-date = 4 January 2020}}{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191221032448/http://data.transport.tn/dataset/b19bf5d3-5f47-43a3-befc-80a4f4f1d267/resource/0f4ff280-9f86-4e4f-bc18-29df886c2a30/download/extremes.txt | archive-date = 21 December 2019 | url = http://data.transport.tn/dataset/extremes-climatiques-en-tunisie/resource/0f4ff280-9f86-4e4f-bc18-29df886c2a30 | title = Les extrêmes climatiques en Tunisie | publisher = Ministère du Transport | language = fr | access-date = 4 January 2020}} |source 2 = NOAA (humidity and daily sun 1961–1990){{cite web| url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Tunisia/CSV/Gabes_60705.csv | title=Climate Normals 1991-2020| website= NOAA| access-date=18 September 2018}}

::data[format=table title="Gabès mean sea temperature{{Cite web |url=http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/tunisia/gabes.php |title=Gabès Climate and Weather Averages, Tunisia |publisher=Weather2Travel |access-date=19 July 2014 }}"]

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Culture

Gabès hosts a variety of cultural events that celebrate both its traditions and contemporary arts. One of the city's most notable cultural events is the Gabès Cinéma Fen, an annual film festival. Additionally, Gabès is home to the Bibliothèque régionale de Gabès, an institution promoting intellectual and cultural exchange. The library offers a wide range of resources and frequently hosts cultural events, workshops, and educational programs for the local community.

Tourism

Main sights

Gabès is famous for its traditional Souqs in Jarah; it is known also for its beach and the unusual seaside oasis (Gabès is located on the coast of the Mediterranean).

The most visited place in Gabès is the town Matmata.

Among the city's historical and religious landmarks, the Mosque of Sidi Boulbaba and The Mouradi school are the most notable. Also, The Zaouia of Sidi Ahmed Toujani, which is associated with the Tijani Sufi order and remains a center for spiritual gatherings.

World Heritage Status

This Oasis of Gabès was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on May 28, 2008, in the Cultural category.

Gallery

ميناء الصيد بقابس.JPG Phare de Gabès - Mai 2014.jpg كورنيش-- قابس.JPG|Korniche of Gabès Palmeraie gabès2.jpg Rond-point Bab Bhar - Gabès - 2016.jpg|Bab Bhar Gabes.jpg

Notable people

References

Notes

References

  1. "Recensement Général de la Population et de l'Habitat 2014 – Population, logements et ménages par commune et arrondissement". [[National Institute of Statistics (Tunisia).
  2. "Gabès". [[HarperCollins]].
  3. {{Cite Merriam-Webster. Gabès
  4. "Gabès". [[Oxford University Press]].
  5. "Gabès {{!}} Oasis City, Mediterranean Coast".
  6. 978-1-13470739-3), p. 123
  7. 978-0-80784942-2), p. 15
  8. [http://www.trismegistos.org/place/17132 Trismegistos, "Tacapae"]
  9. ''Annuario Pontificio 2013'' (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2013, {{ISBN. 978-88-209-9070-1), p. 980
  10. Stefano Antonio Morcelli, [[iarchive:bub_gb_dO4-AAAAcAAJ/page/n318
  11. [https://ar.wikisource.org/wiki/نزهة_المشتاق_في_اختراق_الآفاق/الإقليم_الثالث/الجزء_الثاني نزهة المشتاق في اختراق الآفاق - الإقليم الثالث، الجزء الثاني] [[Muhammad al-Idrisi]]
  12. رحلة التجاني، ص 86-89، أبو محمد عبد الله بن محمد بن أحمد التجاني، الدار العربية للكتاب: ليبيا-تونس 1981
  13. Victor Guérin, Voyage archéologique dans la régence de Tunis, éd. Plon, Paris, 1862, p. 190.
  14. (3 April 2018). "Pour la 1ère fois: Une femme au poste de Omda, à Gabès".
  15. (2024-12-01). "Influence of localized sources and meteorological conditions on dry-deposited particles: A case study of Gabès, Tunisia". Science of the Total Environment.
  16. "Violence erupts during protest as anger boils in Tunisia's phosphate belt".
  17. (October 17, 2025). "Gabès en ébullition: journée de colère contre la pollution et la répression policière".
  18. "الرئيس التونسي يعد بـ«حلول عاجلة وشاملة» للتلوث في قابس".
  19. "Période ensoleillée 1981-2010 climatiques en Tunisie". Ministère du Transport.
  20. "Réseau des stations météorologiques synoptiques de la Tunisie". Ministère du Transport.
  21. "Gabès Climate Normals 1961–1990".
  22. . (31 July 2021). ["60765: Gabes (Tunisia)"](https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?ind=60765&ano=2021&mes=8&day=1&hora=0&min=0&ndays=30).
  23. "Gabès Climate and Weather Averages, Tunisia". Weather2Travel.
  24. [https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5386/ Oasis de Gabès - UNESCO World Heritage Centre]
  25. (2 February 2012). "Dictionary of African Biography". OUP USA.

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cities-in-tunisiaoases-of-tunisiacommunes-of-tunisiamediterranean-port-cities-and-towns-in-tunisiacatholic-titular-sees-in-africapopulated-places-in-gabès-governorateworld-heritage-tentative-listoasis-towns