When did Tunisian Arab Muslims first come to Canada?
Tunisian Arabs did not start arriving in North America until the late 1970s and early 1980s. A large number of Tunisians come to North America for educational purposes. Canada, which has a larger population of Tunisian Arabs, welcomes between 2,000 and 3,000 students per year, with many remaining to work after finishing school and others coming on traditional visas.
Today approximately 50,000 Tunisian Arabs live in North America. Most live in Montreal, with smaller populations in Ottawa and New York City.
Where do Tunisian Arab Muslims predominantly gather in the Montreal Metro Area?
- The 2016 census recorded 17,645 Tunisian Arabs living in Montreal especially in the Little Maghreb district. Using census information instead of community estimates helps compare populations of people groups in various cities.
- Little Maghreb encompasses fifteen blocks of Jean Talon Street from Saint-Michel Boulevard in the West to Pie-IX Boulevard in the East. In addition to Tunisans, the population in this area includes many Algerians and Moroccans. The neighborhood is served by the Saint-Michel Metro station on the Blue Line.
- The Jean Talon Market opened in 1933 making it one of the oldest markets in Montreal. In addition to fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat, there are a variety of Tunisian ethnic cafes and shops.
What are Tunisian Arab Muslims' lives like?
- Women in Tunisia have greater freedom and opportunities than in other Arab Muslim cultures. They often work outside the home, hold governmental offices, and are involved in politics.
- In North America, Tunisian Arabs participate in festivals and major holidays but are not as regular in mosque attendance.
- Tunisians in Montreal enjoy authentic Tunisian foods in a plethora of cafes, eateries, and fine-dining restaurants. Montréal has multiple such hotspots serving dishes that are Tunisian-inspired but with modern touches, offering all types of grilled meats including kefta and shawarma.
- There are multiple take-out bakeries in Little Maghreb with some of the best Tunisian desserts and breads in the city.
- The late 1990s marked the beginning of the Montreal’s neighbourhood Maghrebi flavour. This was a direct result of the opening of the Dar Al-Arkam Mosque on the corner of Jean-Talon and 17th Avenue, which continues to serve as a centralized religious-cultural meeting place for Tunisian Arabic Muslims.
What do Tunisian Arabic Muslims believe?
- The primary religion practiced by Tunisian Arabs is Sunni Islam, the largest branch of Islam. Sunni Muslims follow the teachings of the Qur'an and consider the first four caliphs to be the rightful successors of Muhammad.
- Less than 3/10ths of 1% of Tunisian Arabic Muslims are followers of Jesus globally and this number is likely lower in Montreal
- The constitution of Tunisia declares the country’s religion to be Islam. While many of the people are nominal Muslims, Islam influences every aspect of life and society. Tunisians believe in the existence of jinn (spirits according to Muslim legend)
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