8Matmata – Tunisia

It was not generally known until 1967 that there were regular settlements in this area besides wandering nomadic tribes. That year, intensive rains that lasted for 22 days inundated the troglodyte homes and caused many of them to collapse. In order to get help from the authorities, help was sent to the town of Gabes.

The deligates were surprised to see people living there, but help was provided. However, most of the people continued their lives in re-built underground homes, and only a few of the families moved to the new surface dwellings. Today Matmata is a popular touist attraction and most of its population earns their living from exhibition of their homes and houses to tourist. The major source of income is the tourism.

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