Chikly, island in Tunisia
Chikly is a small island in Lake Tunis covering about 3.5 hectares and surrounded entirely by water. It hosts numerous birds, especially Little Egrets that nest there, and is protected as a nature reserve.
The island was settled by Phoenicians and Romans before the Spanish built a fortress around 1533, which the Ottomans quickly seized and destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1600 and later served as a hospital and quarantine station.
The name Chikly comes from Spanish times when the island was called Chikly Santiago. It has become a symbol of Tunisia's layered past and serves today as a quiet place where visitors can trace the marks left by different peoples.
The island lies about ten minutes by boat from the coast and was long closed to the public but is now being prepared for visitors. Visits take place in limited numbers daily and are not permitted during nesting seasons in spring and early summer to protect the birds.
Archaeologists have discovered mosaics from Roman and Byzantine times dating to the 4th and 5th centuries, offering glimpses into life among ancient residents. The island's proximity to Tunis airport makes it an unexpected spot to watch planes taking off and landing at low altitude.
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