Page "Mazara del Vallo" Paragraph 7

Mazara del Vallo is among the Italian cities with the highest percentages of immigrants ; it is estimated that the city hosts at least 3, 500 registered immigrants, mainly from nearby Tunisia but also the other countries of the Maghreb.

They tend to live principally around the old Arab city centre ( the Casbah ).

There exists a local school, managed by the Tunisian government, at which only Arabic and French are taught as languages.

This has led to some controversy.

Most of the local schools show openness to Arab culture, even providing Arabic language classes for both Italians and Arabs, and encouraging integration with the autochthonous students.

The local city council also provides a seat reserved for a representative of Mazara's immigrant community.