Jara Market, Gabès

In the old Jara quarter, stalls sell henna grown in the Gabès oasis, spices, baskets of palm leaves and dates, a short walk from one of the world’s rare seaside oases.

History

The Gabès oasis, where palms meet the Mediterranean, has fed the town since antiquity.

Customs

Vendors can grind henna to order and explain how to mix it.

Food

Pomegranates and dates from the oasis in autumn.

Best time

October to April.

Gabès henna is said to give the deepest colour in Tunisia, and is sold as powder or still as dried leaves.