Gayong Tunisia Training

            Leisure and training, as usual the students take the opportunity training with me. They wishes to feel training conducted by me.  About 25 students turn up for the training, consists of various range of ages. Seven of them are at the age under 12 and the rest are teenager and senior personnel. Training with us at the same time and date are Karate practitioners. We are located at the back hall while them at the front hall separated by a wall.

           The warming up exercise are conducted by Donia , a working lady and I wanted her to assist on the warming up because I wanted her to be prepared to be an instructors. It took her about 30 minutes to finish the routine and to perspire all the students. Its my turn , since that the class are consists of various ages , so I have to round the students into few groups according to their level.
 

In Training

           We started up the fundamental movements, fall from the the basics exercise as we named it " Senaman Anak Harimau Satu " . All the students that attended the training was stunt upon hearing my command and they felt enthusiastic by it. According to their word , straight hair are felt all over the body and my sound of command are like a roar of a tiger. This the first time they had these kind of affect and they felt very excited , and made their adrenalin running high. Their excitement does not stop there, but was shared by others spectators who soundly heard of the volume of the direction and the roaring.
 
         We continued by the techniques of grappling and avoiding attack. I signify and stabilize what they have learn previously from their instructor Wadie Zoghlamy , which are my students. Make the students exhilarated and experiencing live training with the so called Malay instructor. Most of the students take the time to ask a questions, which they have doubt all this time and definitely they got satisfactory answer.

Greeting Each Others

Camaraderie

          Nevertheless, we finish the training with a brotherhood camaraderie and the infinite satisfaction of the training received. As usual everywhere I teach we will end up at a coffee shop at the end of the session chatting and laughing , which make we feel near and comfort, feeling as brothers and sisters of Silat Seni Gayong, thats the main course of it. The unification and brotherhood of Gayong.

          

Kairouan

            Kairouan or Qayrawan means camp in Arabic. Historical relate that the Arabs conquest the region of North Africa. Establishing military posts at regular interval along his route and decided to encamped at the present day Kairouan. Starting as a military camp, Kairouan become the greatest Muslim city in North Africa.. During these centuries, the city became one of the most important cultural centers in the Arab world, witnessing the flowering of sciences , literature and the arts. Kairouan grew in size and beauty and no where was this more evident than in the construction and continuing elaboration of its Great Mosque.

Great Mosque of Kairuoan

           The Great Mosque of Kairouan also known as Sidi Oqba mosque, takes the general form of rectangle. The enormous space contains the prayer hall, a courtyard and a minaret. The minaret is three stories tall, with it lowest stories composed of stone block taken from classical Roman buildings. The minaret build from 724 to 728AD is the oldest standing minaret in the world and is widely recognised as one of the greatest gems of Islamic architecture.

          The old town of Kairouan has fascinated many artists. Its derived from the tight network of little streets, passageways, archways, and fluted cupolas with a mellow whiteness, all blending in beneath the protection of the Great Mosque. The souqs are dedicated to commerce divided up according to traders and are constant buzz of activity. All around these historic neighbourhoods the light brick crenulated ramparts punctuated by towers and bastions succeed in giving the old town the venerable experience of standing outside of time, Kairouan is a fascinating and welcoming secret of Tunisia and with that one of the jewel of Tunisian heritage.

Carthage

           Carthage refers to a series of Phoenician cities on the Gulf Of Tunis. The first civilisation that developed within the city's sphere of influence is referred to as Punic or Carthaginian. Located on the eastern site of lake Tunis across from the centre of Tunis. Carthage was built on a promontory with inlets to the sea to the north and south. The strategic location made it master of the Mediterranean's maritime trade. Between Sicily and the coast of Tunisia , all ships that crossing the sea had to pass this great power and influence city of Carthage.
 

Carthage Ruins

          Carthage was one of the largest cities in Hellenistic time , with massive walls measuring 23 miles in length. The walls located on the shore and never been penetrated, as the Carthaginian control of the sea that made attack from the direction are difficult.

Roman Influence At Carthage

          The city's town planning comprises of burial ground , religious area, market places, council house , towers and a theater and was divided into four equal size residential area with the same layout. In the middle of the city stood high citadel called the Byrsa.
 

Saint Louis Cathedral

          Saint Louis Cathedral or the Byrsa  is an old Roman Catholic cathedral located in Carthage Tunisia. Situated on the peak of  Byrsa hill , and was built by the French in 1890 and dedicated to the 13th century saint king who died on the shores of Carthage in 1290. Today it's only used for cultural centers.

         What a great city's and civilization , Carthage stands as the historical sites although it has been destroyed during the era of the Roman due to the possibilities of being a rival for the empire . History can't be changed, the ruins and still preserved standing monuments prove Carthage was a  significant center for art and culture in this land of the Hannibal's, Tunisia.

Berbers Of Tunisia

            Essentially the Berbers were a nomadic people who roamed the lands of Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Algeria, following the seasons over their time honoured route. Berbers comprise a clear majority of the population of North Africa in terms of race , but in terms of identity, a considerable minority.

            The Berber communities are scattered around in the North African countries. They often lived in a mountains and in smaller settlements.The Berbers village in Tunisia are mainly in the Southern part of the country. The hilltop villages are a good example of their wish for protection against invaders , show the initial development of semi-permanent communal living , and the underground villages which were established to provide protection from the heat of this dry arid land.  There are around 300 local dialects among the Berbers. Berbers are Muslim but there are many traditional practice found among them. Throughout history Berbers have founded several dynasties such as Numidia , Carthage , Almohads and strong enough to threaten countries in Europe.

Berbers Village

           Berbers are as good as many carpets producer. Their handmade carpets are thick and made of long hair sheep wool. They are white or beige with or without motives. Motives are in warm colour and various shapes , but generally discreet.

Berbers Woman In Traditional Tent

           Overall Berbers once ruled the Northern land of Africa. Their mixed and evolutions between the nation has made Berbers who live scattered across North Africa whose genetically different from their neighbours are not well established. But one thing for sure that the Berbers has contribute in many ways in history , culture , nations in the Northern Land Of North Africa.

        

Silat Seni Gayong Belt Ceremony

           We had a belt grading few days back, and as promised and planned a belt delivery ceremony will be commensurated. Earlier the Silat Seni Gayong of Tunisia practitioners had their grading in the category or level of Red, Green and White belt. And usually after such test and for a pass students they have the right to received a belt accordingly.

           Silat Seni Gayong started with White belt for the first stages and grading can be done after six month in training at this level. Second belt is the Green belt, and need to have another six month to hold this belt after a test. That also goes for the Red and a belt forward the test became more tougher until the holder of a Black belt.

            In Silat Seni Gayong after each test , to deliver a belt we must do in a manner and discipline etihics of  Silat Seni Gayong. At this level a practitioner who will received the belt in a ceremony will have to show his respect when appear in front of those who deliver. He or She had to hold both hand at the centre of the chest and walked at least between three to seven steps towards , and the steps took depends on the ranking of the deliverer. Upon reaching , the student has to bend his right knee and straighten both hands towards the deliverer. And the delivery will act upon it. The student stand up and steps backwards as per his previous act.

Receiving A Red Belt

 

Waiting For Their Name To Be Call

              After such ceremony , definitely everybody   take a chance to take a photo as memories. And like a celebrities the flash of the camera glittering, because each of them make as many post as they can to catch the historical moments. I congratulate for those who had received the belt and those who had been upgraded to the next level , and in the sparkly time me rejoiced over the success of the students.

From Green To Red

 

  

Recording Memories

Dougga

Dougga Heritage Sites

             Dougga is an ancient city of the Roman in northern Tunisia. Situated in the mountain inland of Tunisia, in an area that was densely populated by the Numidians. The city served as one of the capitals of Massinissa, an Roman ally, and one of contenders to Carthage. It first as an important military post and with the arrival of the Roman it became the regional administrative centre. The whole area is about 3km square and among the most important ruins of the Roman era. The capitol of Dougga is one of the most impressive remain from the Roman era. Built in 166 CE, its 10metre high walls stand almost like the day it was inaugerated.

          Walking around Dougga note the pavement with its herring bone pattern. The quality of the work is quite impressive , and quite a high percentage of modern stonemasons would blush if they would investigate the ancient skills.

           There are plenty of houses of  Dougga, and they can roughly be divided  into two types. Carthaginian had entrance leading into a court, then with the entrance to the side into the dwelling quarters. Roman on the other hand , had direct access into the dwelling quarters.

Dougga Ruins

          The cisterns of Dougga are impressive, was a fabulous system for providing Dougga with steady water deliverances. The system, where there were seven vaulted chambers , each were constructed to have no leakage. Each chamber was separate from the others, so that problems with one would not lead to stop in water deliveries. Water was delivered by aqueduct , as it is in this part of the world, little or no water was carried in the summer.

          It was estimated around 20 to 30,000 persons lived here during the era, and shops , stores , baths , latrines, wash room , gymnasiums bring them to life. Stone streets bear the grooves of chariot wheels and in the silent , wind swept afternoon one can almost hear their clatter.

The Ruins Of Ancient Roman City Of  Dougga

         Dougga or Thugga is perhaps among the most touching of the 200 or more Roman sites in Tunisia as one cannot help the feeling it stands. In the sixth century the Byzantine conquered the area as part of their reconquest of the old Roman provinces and held it until seventh century when it was lost along with the rest of the province to the Islamic invasion. In 1997 Dougga was recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO , believing that it represents the best preserved Roman small town in North Africa.

Sidi Bou Said

            Located 20km north east of Tunis. Sidi Bou Said got its name from Abou Said ibn Khalief, is a blue and white village, gaily perched on the cliff overlooking the Bay of Tunis.Following the cobblestone streets winding upwards we will catch the glimpse of the emerald sea with the mountain of Bou Kornine and the southern beaches of Tunis across the Bay.

           We visited Sidi Bou Said in the evening, seems that it was spring and it getting dark a little earlier. Upon reaching Sidi Bou Said the place is already turning into a night walkway. Although its at night but the visitors keep coming to feel the different scenery of the place.

           We had a drink at Cafe de Nattes, sip and sit a green tea with mint while laughing and chatting. I still remember my students Wadie Zoghlami making an order when the waiter asked upon it. He asked for a Red Tea , me and Yahya Alam my other students laughed and making that as a joke that night. What ever we talked about definitely the Red Tea things comes out. And those joke continuing over and over until we really satisfied for the laughter.

           Cafe de Nattes is a cafe at the sloop of of Sidi Bou Said. A must stopped place for anyone visited the place and its a place of relax while having a green tea . Its not easy to get a sit at this cafe , you have to queue due to the main attracted and great location at the place.

Enjoying Green Tea At Cafe de Nattes

          What make Sidi Bou Said so  attractive is that is still a living village.Many of the inhabitants work with international and national visitors, but usually they are local families with long histories here . The thing about Sidi Bou Said is that you have to climb to the top to get access to the sea below. Or we may enjoy the stunning views over the Gulf of Tunis, flanked by the mountains behind Hammam Lif.

The Blue Door, Attraction of The Village

          At the foot of the cliffs lies the Port of Sidi  Bou Said , a modern marina with restaurants and hotels. The marina is quite good, and walking around we will pass a couple of yachts big as houses.The stairs going down the mountain where the village itself lies, goes through green and luscious vegetation. The best thing to do here is relaxing while having tea at one of  their nice cafes .