JERBA, an island off the coast of North Africa in the Gulf of Gabes, forming part of Tunis. It is separated from the mainland by two narrow straits, and save for these channels blocks the entrance to a large bay identified with the Lake Triton of the Romans. The western strait, opening into the Gulf of Gabes, is a mile and a half broad; the eastern strait is wider, but at low water it is possible to cross to the mainland by the Tarik-el-Jemil (road of the camel). The island is irregular in outline, its greatest length and breadth being some 20 m., and its area 425 sq.m. It contains neither rivers nor springs, but is supplied with water by wells and cisterns. It is flat and well wooded with date palms and olive trees. Its population is estimated at about 90,000, mostly Berbers.
Jerba is the Lotophagitis or Lotus-eaters' Island of the Greek and Roman geographers, and is also identified with the Brachion of Scylax. The modern name appears as early as the 4th century in Sextus Aurelius Victor. In the middle ages the possession of
Jerba was contested by the Normans of Sicily, the Spaniards and the Turks, the Turks proving victorious. In 1560 after the de struction of the Spanish fleet off the coast of the island by Piali pasha and the corsair Dragut, the Spanish garrison at Haumt-es Suk was exterminated.
jerba has a considerable reputation for the manufacture of the woollen tissues interwoven with silk which are known as burnous stuffs ; a market for the sale of sponges is held from November till March ; and there is a considerable export trade in olives, dates, figs and other fruits. The capital, trading centre and usual landing-place are at Haumt-es-Suk (market quarter) on the north side of the island. Here are a mediaeval fort, built by the Spaniards in 1284, and a modern fort. Gallala, to the south, is noted for the manufacture of a kind of white pottery, much prized.