Tunis history

The city of Tunis, one of the oldest capitals in the Mediterranean, possesses a rich and multi-layered history. Its emergence and development are closely intertwined with the fate of great civilizations that have left their mark on this land.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city is rooted in deep antiquity. It is believed that a Berber settlement originally existed on this site. Later, with the arrival of the Phoenicians who founded the powerful Carthage nearby in the 9th century BC, the settlement known as Tunet became its suburb. Ancient sources mention the city in the context of military campaigns, including the Punic Wars, during which it, like Carthage, was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC. However, unlike its great neighbour, Tunis was subsequently rebuilt and continued its existence under Roman rule.

Key Factors of Development

The rise of Tunis as a significant centre occurred much later, following the Arab conquest in the 7th century. Several factors played a key role in its development:

• Strategic Location: Its position on the shores of the gulf, near fertile lands and at the crossroads of trade routes, created ideal conditions for growth. After the final destruction of Carthage by the Arabs in 698 AD, it was Tunis that became the main city and naval base in the region.
• Political Power: A decisive boost to the city's development was its transformation into a capital. In the 9th century under the Aghlabid dynasty, and later under the Fatimids, its importance grew. However, the true "Golden Age" arrived when the Hafsid dynasty made Tunis their capital in the 13th century, turning it into one of the most prosperous and influential cities in the Islamic world.
• Trade: The city became a major hub for Trans-Saharan and Mediterranean trade, linking Africa with Europe and the Middle East.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, the city was in the shadow of the Punic culture of Carthage. After the Arab conquest, it quickly transformed into an important centre of Islamic scholarship and culture. The famous Al-Zaytuna Mosque and University was founded, becoming one of the main educational centres of North Africa. The city's economy was based on agriculture, particularly olive oil production, as well as crafts and active maritime trade. The medieval Medina of Tunis, preserved to this day, is a vivid testament to the city's former wealth and cultural flourishing.

Key Dates in the History of Tunis

• 9th century BC — Foundation of a Berber, and later Phoenician, settlement called Tunet, which existed in the shadow of mighty Carthage.
• 146 BC — During the Third Punic War, Roman troops destroy Tunis along with Carthage.
• 698 AD — Arabs conquer the region, finally destroying the weakened Carthage and founding a new city on the site of Tunis, which becomes their naval base.
• 9th century — During the reign of the Aghlabid dynasty, the city expands significantly, and the construction of the famous Al-Zaytuna Mosque begins.
• 1229 — The Hafsid dynasty makes Tunis its capital, marking the beginning of the city's "Golden Age" as one of the largest and wealthiest centres of the Islamic world.
• 1534 — The city is captured by the Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa, starting a period of confrontation with Spain for control of the region.
• 1574 — The Ottoman Empire finally conquers Tunis, which becomes a province of the empire for nearly three centuries.
• 1705 — Al-Husayn I ibn Ali founds the Husainid dynasty of Beys, which ruled the country with significant autonomy from the Ottoman Empire.
• 1881 — France invades the country and establishes its protectorate, solidified by the Treaty of Bardo.
• March 20, 1956 — Tunisia gains independence from France, and the city becomes the capital of a sovereign state.
• 1979 — The Medina (old city) of Tunis is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming its outstanding cultural value.

Major Milestones in the Development of Tunis

The history of the city of Tunis is a kaleidoscope of eras and cultures, each leaving its unique mark on its appearance and character. From a medieval centre of Islamic scholarship to a modern capital, the city has passed through several key stages of transformation.

• Becoming the Capital under the Hafsid Dynasty (13th Century). This period became a "Golden Age" for the city. Transformation into the capital of a powerful state contributed to the rapid growth of the Medina (old city), and the construction of majestic mosques, madrasas, and palaces. Tunis became one of the largest commercial, cultural, and intellectual hubs of the Islamic world, establishing economic ties with Europe and the Middle East.
• Ottoman Period (16th–19th Centuries). After the conquest by the Ottoman Empire in 1574, a new stage of urban development began. New mosques with characteristic octagonal minarets in the Turkish style were erected, as well as luxurious palaces such as Dar Othman. Despite formal subordination to Istanbul, the local rulers—the Beys—possessed significant autonomy, allowing the city to maintain its economic and cultural status.
• Creation of the "New City" during the French Protectorate (1881–1956). This period radically changed the urban structure. Next to the old Medina, the French built the "Ville Nouvelle"—a new European quarter with wide avenues, colonial architecture, theatres, and cathedrals. This contrast between traditional Arab and European development became a hallmark of Tunis and reflected the deep social and cultural transformations of that time.
• Proclamation as Capital of Independent Tunisia (1956). Upon receiving the status of capital of a sovereign state, the city entered an era of modern modernization. The construction of new government buildings, infrastructure development, and the expansion of residential areas began. The city strengthened its role as the country's political, administrative, and economic centre.
• Inclusion of the Medina in the UNESCO World Heritage List (1979). This international recognition highlighted the outstanding cultural value of the city's historical centre. The UNESCO status contributed to the preservation of the unique architectural ensemble of the Medina, comprising about 700 monuments, and gave a powerful impetus to the development of tourism, which has become an important sector of the urban economy.

The architectural appearance of the city of Tunis is a unique combination of two contrasting worlds: the traditional Arab Medina and the European "New City" built during the colonial era. Each epoch has left its unique imprint on the urban fabric of the capital, creating a multi-layered and eclectic cityscape.

The Medina: Heart of the Arab-Muslim City

The historical centre, the Medina of Tunis, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, was formed over many centuries, starting from the 7th century. Its flourishing occurred during the rule of the Hafsid dynasty (13th-16th centuries) and the Ottoman period (16th-19th centuries). The architecture of the Medina adheres to traditional Islamic urban planning:

• Structure: A labyrinth of narrow, winding streets that provide shade and protect from prying eyes. The centre of life is the Great Mosque of Al-Zaytuna, around which residential quarters, markets (souks), and madrasas expanded.
• Styles and Buildings: The Arab-Andalusian style prevails here with noticeable Ottoman influences. Iconic landmarks include the Al-Zaytuna Mosque itself, the Hammouda Pacha Mosque with its characteristic Turkish-style octagonal minaret, and numerous palaces such as Dar Othman and Dar Hussein. Houses generally face inward, with a central courtyard, and their external walls are often devoid of windows to ensure privacy.

Ville Nouvelle: European Heritage

With the establishment of the French protectorate in 1881, the "New City" (Ville Nouvelle) began to be built to the east of the Medina. Its layout and architecture differ strikingly from the old centre and reflect European urban planning ideas of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Structure: The foundation of the new district was wide, straight avenues designed after the model of Parisian boulevards. The central axis is Habib Bourguiba Avenue, surrounded by squares and public buildings.
• Styles and Buildings: European styles of that time dominate the architecture: Eclecticism, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. Striking examples include the Municipal Theatre, designed in the Art Nouveau style, and the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, which blends Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Moorish motifs. This district demonstrates openness, symmetry, and monumentality, contrasting with the enclosed structure of the Medina.

Modern Architecture

After gaining independence in 1956, the city continued to grow. During this period, functional modernist architecture prevailed, aimed at solving the challenges of a rapidly growing capital. New government buildings, hotels, and residential complexes appeared. One of the most famous, albeit controversial, examples of this period is the Hôtel du Lac, designed in the Brutalist style. Modern construction in Tunis often seeks a synthesis, combining the latest technologies with elements of traditional local architecture to preserve the city's unique identity.

Distinguished Personalities in the History of Tunis

The city of Tunis, the capital and cultural hub of the country, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many outstanding individuals whose contributions have influenced not only national but also world history, science, and art.

Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406)

Role: Historian, philosopher, sociologist.

Significance: Born in the city of Tunis and educated at the Al-Zaytuna Mosque. Ibn Khaldun is considered one of the founding fathers of modern sociology, historiography, and economic theory. His magnum opus, the "Muqaddimah" ("The Introduction"), presents a profound analysis of the rise and fall of civilizations, where he first formulated the concept of social cohesion ("asabiyyah") as a driving force of history. His ideas were centuries ahead of their time.

Hayreddin Pasha (1820–1890)

Role: Statesman, Grand Vizier of Tunis.

Significance: Although Hayreddin Pasha was not a native of Tunis, his work is inextricably linked to the modernization of the country in the 19th century. As Grand Vizier, he initiated important reforms in administration, education, and the economy, striving to strengthen the state in the face of European influence. He was the author of the first constitution in the Arab world in 1861 and the founder of Sadiki College, a modern educational institution from which many future leaders of the country graduated.

Habib Bourguiba (1903–2000)

Role: Politician, first President of independent Tunisia.

Significance: A key figure in the movement for the country's independence from the French protectorate. After the proclamation of independence in 1956 and the abolition of the monarchy in 1957, Bourguiba became the first president of the republic. His rule was marked by large-scale social reforms, particularly the expansion of women's rights, the development of the education and healthcare systems, and the implementation of secular policies. He is considered the "Father of the Nation".

Albert Memmi (1920–2020)

Role: Writer, sociologist, philosopher.

Significance: A native of Tunis, Memmi became one of the leading intellectuals exploring the psychology of colonialism. His essay "The Colonizer and the Colonized" (1957) received worldwide acclaim and became a classic of anti-colonial thought. In his works, he analyzed the complex relationships between the colonizer and the colonized, as well as issues of identity and assimilation.

Claudia Cardinale (born 1938)

Role: Film actress.

Significance: Born in a suburb of Tunis to a family of Italian immigrants. Winning the "Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia" contest in 1957 opened her path to the world of big cinema. She became one of the greatest stars of European cinema in the 1960s and 1970s, starring in cult films such as "Rocco and His Brothers", Federico Fellini's "8½", and Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West".

Azzedine Alaïa (1935–2017)

Role: Fashion designer, couturier.

Significance: Born and educated in Tunis, Azzedine Alaïa moved to Paris and became one of the most influential couturiers of the late 20th century. Known for his talent as a sculptor of form, he created dresses that perfectly hugged the female body, earning him the nickname "King of Cling". His works, distinguished by innovative cuts and the use of new materials, have gone down in the history of haute couture.