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A Visit to Courage: Standing Firm Against Oppression in Tunisia

Via Professor Abdelrahman Chouchane Today, I had the honor of visiting three remarkable individuals—Ghazi Chaouachi in Nador Prison in Bizerte, Essam Chebbi in Borj Erroumi Prison, and Ridha Belhaj in Siliana Prison. These visits left me with profound reflections on their resilience and the dire state of justice in our country. Below, I share their stories and the broader implications of their…

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🍬 Culinary Minute: Halwa Chamia – A Taste of Sweet Heritage

Halwa Chamia is more than just a dessert in Tunisia—it’s a piece of history, a cultural symbol, and a beloved flavor rooted in generations of tradition. The word “Halwa” (حلوى) comes from Arabic, meaning “sweetness” or “delight”—both in taste and spirit. Its origin traces back to the Arabic root ḥ-l-w, which conveys beauty, charm, and even ornamentation. Across the Arab world and beyond—in…

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The Battle of Remada: A Pivotal Moment in Tunisia’s Fight for Freedom

On May 25, 1958, the Battle of Remada erupted in the region of Tataouine, in Tunisia’s far southeast, marking a turning point in the nation’s struggle to expel the remnants of French colonialism. This fierce confrontation ignited the spark for the final push toward full independence, following the signing of Tunisia’s independence agreement, and paved the way for the historic Battle of Bizerte in…

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Title: Children of the Olive Tree: How Tunisians Stand United Beyond Borders and Politics

When news broke that 34 Tunisians were arrested in Greece, the headlines were harsh—accusations of money laundering and illegal activity echoed across foreign media platforms. But what wasn’t reported is what makes this story truly Tunisian: the silent, powerful wave of solidarity that followed. Blogger and activist Firas El Echi followed the case closely, documenting every call, every legal…

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Rediscovering Allal Chocolate: A Journey Through Time and Taste

I was raised on the rich, comforting taste of Allal chocolate. It was a staple in my household, a treat that marked special occasions and everyday moments alike. The brand held a special place in my heart, evoking memories of childhood and family gatherings. So, imagine my surprise when, recently, I decided to call the factory to learn more about this beloved brand, only to discover that the new…

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The Racialization of the Kroumirs – April 1881

In April 1881, as French military rhetoric reached its peak, a chilling phrase summed up the colonial mindset: “En somme, les tribus que nous avons à punir ou à forcer à la paix…” (“In short, the tribes we must punish or force into peace…”). The target of this punitive vision? The Kroumirs and their neighboring tribes—Beni-Mezen, Ouchtatas, and Zainatis. This wasn’t just a military expedition.…

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Title: The Tirailleurs Tunisiens: Tunisia’s Forgotten Soldiers of World War I

When we think of World War I, our minds often turn to the muddy trenches of the Western Front and the massive loss of life endured by European powers. But less attention is paid to the thousands of colonial troops conscripted to fight in a war not of their making—among them, the Tirailleurs Tunisiens, or Tunisian riflemen. Origins of Conscription in Tunisia Military conscription in Tunisia…

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In Memory of Lina Ben Mhenni: A Voice That Changed Tunisia

I had the honor to meet her along the way. On this day, May 22nd, back in 1983, Lina Ben Mhenni was born. She would go on to become one of the most courageous and influential voices of post-revolutionary Tunisia. A human rights activist, blogger, journalist, university professor, and member of the National Independent Commission for Media and Communication Reform, Lina’s life was a powerful…

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The Story of Coffee in Tunisia: A Sufi Legacy in Every Cup 🇹🇳☕️

When you sip a traditional Tunisian espresso in a bustling café in the Medina, you might not realize you’re partaking in a centuries-old legacy that began with mysticism, poetry, and spirituality. In Tunisia, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a cultural ritual, and its origin story is deeply tied to one of the country’s most revered spiritual figures: Sidi Belhassen Al-Chadhli. Coffee, or…

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Controversy in Tunisia as Cultural Event Canceled at Popular Café

Civil society organizations warn against growing restrictions on freedoms and independent cultural spaces A recent decision to cancel a cultural event that was scheduled to take place at BiblioThé, a well-known cultural café in downtown Tunis, has sparked criticism from civil society organizations concerned about increasing constraints on public freedoms and independent cultural venues in…

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Sonia Dahmani: A Broken Body, a Silenced Voice

On May 20, 2025, a harrowing testimony shook Tunisian social media. Ramla Dahmani, the sister of imprisoned lawyer and media figure Sonia Dahmani, published a raw and emotional account detailing the inhumane conditions of her sister’s detention. More than a personal outcry, her words stand as a powerful accusation: what Sonia is enduring amounts to torture. “I said I had no more words. That…

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The Detention and Harassment of Tunisian Student Activist Bilal Habeb

On May 8, 2025, Bilal Habeb, a Tunisian student and activist, was detained and subjected to harassment due to his activism and support for the Palestinian cause. As a member of the Tunisian Communist Youth Union and the General Union of Tunisian Students, Bilal’s story sheds light on the ongoing violations of human rights in Tunisia, particularly targeting those who exercise their right to free…

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Zineb Farhat: A Singular Voice in the Plural Form

By Oussama Raai Zineb Farhat was more than a journalist, a theatre director, or a feminist activist—she was all of these and more. To many, she was a singular figure in plural form, embodying courage, creativity, and commitment to freedom in every aspect of her life. Born on December 14, 1957, in Tunis, Zineb grew up in a household shaped by education and activism. Her father, Sahbi Farhat, a…

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Defending Academic Freedom: International Scholars Rally Behind Tunisian Historian Amid Controversy

In a bold stand for academic freedom, over 250 scholars from 14 countries across Europe, North Africa, the Arab world, and the Americas have united to support Professor Habib Tunisian, a prominent Tunisian historian and former dean at the University of Manouba. The scholars’ collective letter, addressed to Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and university authorities,…

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Mohamed Ben Rajeb: A Life Dedicated to Culture, Journalism, and Words

By Osama Al-Ra’i Mohamed Ben Rajeb, a prominent figure in Tunisian journalism and cultural life, left an indelible mark on the intellectual and media landscape of the Arab world. Born on May 15, 1951, in Kelibia, Tunisia, and passing away on September 17, 2023, at the age of 72, Ben Rajeb’s career spanned nearly five decades of unwavering commitment to literature, cultural criticism, and public…

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Abdelmajid Attia: The Educator Who Wrote with a Literary Soul

By: Oussama Al-Ra’i On March 13, 1925, in the coastal Tunisian city of Mahdia, Abdelmajid Attia was born—a man whose life would become a remarkable blend of education, literature, and cultural contribution, spanning nearly nine decades of dedication and creativity. A Journey of Education and Aspiration Attia began his studies in his hometown before moving to the capital, Tunis, where he…

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Sub-Saharan Migrants in Al Amra, Tunisia: A March for Dignity Amid Silence and Stigma

In the town of Al Amra, Sfax, a group of Sub-Saharan migrants and refugees have taken to the streets in a peaceful march for dignity and recognition. After months—if not years—of living in limbo, many of these individuals are demanding what most take for granted: the right to be treated as human beings. Their message is not political or confrontational—it is existential. They are asking to be…