Arab, Tunisian in Netherlands

Introduction / History

Tunisia, the smallest country in North Africa, boasts beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea to its north and vast expanses of the Sahara Desert in its south. One can view beaches, mountains, rich farmland, and arid desert all in a few hours' drive. Ancient Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine ruins attract tourists and archaeologists alike.

In the first few centuries after Christ, Christianity spread throughout North Africa. A strong church was established in present-day Tunisia despite intense persecution from the Romans. Visitors can find ancient baptisteries and sites of martyrdom among the ruins. However, disunity, factions, and a failure to translate the Bible into the local languages weakened the church. When Arab invaders arrived in the 7th century an empty shell of a church was all that existed. Islam spread rapidly, and the Christian roots of the people were forgotten.



In 1956 Tunisia won its independence from France. Over the next 55 years, Tunisia only had two presidents and the people lived under repression and fear of the government. Tunisia was an Islamic state, but the former president had stifled most forms of extremism. The atmosphere of Tunisia is very secular. Many Tunisians seldom or never go to a mosque. Women currently have more rights than in other Arab countries. Many women hold government offices and professional careers. The turmoil of the Arab Spring was nowhere near as difficult in Tunisia than it was in other Arab countries. There are fewer Tunisians entering Europe than people from most other Arab Muslim countries because Tunisia has a relatively strong economy.

Most Tunisians remain in their small North African country, but some have tried to make a better living in European countries. These Tunisians are most likely to go to France or Italy, but a small number now live in the Netherlands where they blend in with other people from the Arab World.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Tunisian Arabs in Europe come from a middle-class background, but some are doing menial work. They found themselves less welcome in Europe as refugees from Iraq and Syria poured into Europe in the mid 2010s.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Virtually all Tunisian Arabs are Muslim. While many are nominal Muslims, Islam heavily influences every aspect of Tunisian culture. Their religious practices include various ceremonies and festivals. They believe in jinn (spirits) according to Muslim legend, capable of exercising influence over people. Some practice witchcraft which produces bondage and strong spiritual darkness.

What Are Their Needs?

It is difficult for people from the Arab World to assimilate into Dutch society. They come from a part of the world with a different language, religion, and customs. They can use the help of people who will teach them needed job skills and the local language.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Tunisian Arabs in the Netherlands.
Pray for a strong movement of the Holy Spirit will bring entire Tunisian Arab families into a rich experience of God's blessing.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Tunisian Arab disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project