JARBAH

French Djerba, or Jerba, island in the Gulf of Gabes, Mediterranean Sea, off the Tunisian mainland, to which it is connected by a causeway. Jarbah island is about 17 miles (27 km) long by 16 miles (26 km) wide and has an area of 197 square miles (510 square km). The island was known to ancient geographers as the land of the lotus eaters and was originally settled by the Romans. After being conquered by the Arabs in 655 and made a dependency of Tunis and Al-Qayrawan (Kairouan), it passed back and forth between Sicilian, Norman, and Hafsid control from the 12th to the 15th century. After several unsuccessful attempts by the Spanish to take the island in the 16th century, it passed under Ottoman control. Now a part of Tunisia, Jarbah island is noted for its orchards (especially dates and olives), fishing (sponges and oysters), and woolens and blankets. Its fine beaches and international airport have also made it a popular tourist resort. Hawmat as-Suq (Houmet es-Souk) is the principal town and chief market centre, and Ajim is the main port. Pop. (1984) 92,269.