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A Historic Day in Tunisian Journalism: Trials of Three Journalists in a Single Day

For the first time in the history of Tunisian journalism, three journalists and media professionals are standing trial on the same day. This unprecedented event, taking place on Friday, January 10, 2025, is a stark continuation of what many describe as a systematic campaign of judicial persecution targeting the press over the past three years. Case 1: Shatha Haj Mubarak Journalist Shatha Haj…

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The Municipal Casino of Tunis: The Architectural Gem That Vanished Forever

The Municipal Casino of Tunis, once a stunning architectural masterpiece, has faded into the annals of history. Inaugurated on November 20, 1902, as part of a broader tourism project that included the Municipal Theatre of Tunis and a hotel, the casino quickly became a significant entertainment hub for the European community residing in Tunis. This influx of European settlers brought about a surge…

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Salwa Ghrissa: A Human Rights Defender Imprisoned for Civic Activism

Salwa Ghrissa, a retired university professor and passionate human rights defender, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Association for the Promotion of the Right to Difference (ADD). Her dedication to civil liberties and her efforts to create a more inclusive society have made her a prominent figure in Tunisia’s civic landscape. However, her journey took a sharp turn when she was…

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The January Protests: A Timeline of Revolts in Tunisia

Tunisia’s history is deeply intertwined with its January protests. Over the years, January has become a month of political turmoil, economic dissatisfaction, and social unrest. Here’s a detailed timeline of key events: 1978: Black Thursday On January 26, widespread protests erupted after economic and social conditions deteriorated under Bourguiba’s regime. The government responded with brutal…

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The Biggest Paradox in Tunisia's Economy: The Tale of Canned Tuna

One of the most striking paradoxes in Tunisia’s economy is embodied in the story of canned tuna. This product, a staple for many Tunisian households, is ironically one of the least “Tunisian” items on the market. Let’s break this down: the tuna in those cans is not sourced from Tunisia’s waters. Much of it comes from the Indian Ocean, with imports from places like Seychelles, Oman, Yemen, and…

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The History of the Jlass Tribe of Kairouan

The Jlass, also known as “Al-Zallass” (pronounced “Ejlass” in Egypt), are an ancient tribal group of Berber origins. They are indigenous to North Africa and primarily inhabit Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. Their lineage traces back to Jlass bin Habous bin Faten bin Tamseet bin Dhari bin Lawat al-Saghir bin Lawat al-Kabir bin Zajik bin Madghis bin Mazigh. The Jlass tribe branches into three major…

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The Ten Commandments of Socrates: A Guide to Critical Thinking and Wisdom

Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, is renowned for his contributions to the development of Western philosophy, particularly through his method of questioning and dialogue. Though he left no written records himself, his ideas have been preserved through the works of his students, like Plato. Socrates’ teachings encourage us to seek wisdom, question assumptions, and think independently. Here,…

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Syria: A Guide to a Non-Existent Country – A Journey Through Ruins and Memory

In his book Syria: A Guide to a Non-Existent Country, journalist Pawel Szaryński takes us on a poignant journey through the heart of a conflict that has ravaged Syria over the past two decades. This book is the result of ten years of exploration and reporting, beginning with Szaryński’s first visit to Syria in 1999 and extending through the aftermath of the war that erupted in 2011. Syria Before…

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France’s Responsibility in Africa: Macron’s Words and Tunisia’s Role in the Shift

In a recent speech that has captured global attention, French President Emmanuel Macron offered a candid acknowledgment of France’s historical and ongoing responsibility toward Africa. His words, filled with reflection and urgency, underscored the necessity of addressing a shared past and moving forward with a unified vision. This speech holds particular resonance for Tunisia, a country deeply…

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The Librarian Who Saved Timbuktu’s Cultural Treasures from Al-Qaeda

In a remarkable act of preservation, Abdel Kader Haidara, the librarian from Mali, played a crucial role in safeguarding Timbuktu’s invaluable cultural heritage from the clutches of extremists. His heroic efforts ensured that the legendary city’s libraries, filled with precious historical books and ancient manuscripts, were protected from the destructive forces of Al-Qaeda. By the time Al-Qaeda…

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Tunisia in 2025: Reflections and the Call for Political Renewal

By Adel Ltifi, Professor of History and Geography at Paris III As the new year dawns, it is difficult to extend greetings or express hopeful wishes when faced with the stark realities Tunisia endures. Citizens grapple daily with soaring prices, the scarcity of basic goods, the challenges of public transport, inadequate healthcare, and a faltering education system. These struggles are compounded…

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The 2008 Redeyef Uprising: A Turning Point in Tunisia's Labor Movement

The small mining town of Redeyef in Tunisia’s Gafsa region erupted on January 5, 2008. This event became one of the most significant social movements in pre-Arab Spring Tunisia. The uprising met with 30,000 agents as a security response. It marked a crucial moment in Tunisia’s modern history. It also laid important groundwork for future social movements. Background: The Mining Basin…

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Myrath: Between Artistic Change and Identity Challenges

The Tunisian band Myrath, initially formed to present metal music with a style inspired by Tunisian heritage, has undergone significant transformations over time. This band, once a symbol of Tunisian pride, now faces numerous questions about its artistic and personal identity, especially after the addition of foreign members from various nationalities. The band’s identity drastically changed…

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The Crisis of Trust: Oussaama Ben Arfa Turns Against Kais Saied

In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Oussaama Ben Arfa, once a staunch supporter and defender of Kais Saied, has publicly denounced the president’s leadership. Known for his unwavering loyalty and relentless defense of Saied, Ben Arfa’s open criticism marks a significant shift in Tunisia’s political landscape. The Beginnings: A Defender Without Reward Oussaama Ben Arfa wasn’t just an…

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The Struggles of Justice: A Sister’s Fight for Sonia Dahmani

Ramzi Atoui: I’ve said it a thousand times: the main reason these detainees remain in prison is their families, who continue to spread lies and nonsense, repeating the same crimes as their detained relatives. I’m not making this up or falsely accusing anyone. For example, Sonia is still spending a long time in prison because of her sister. Instead of apologizing to the Tunisian people and state…

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Egypt's Ban on Syrian Arrivals: A Step Backward

The recent decision by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority to ban the entry of Syrian nationals from all countries, with the exception of those with temporary residency permits for non-tourism purposes, is a deeply concerning and regressive move. While I understand that governments have a responsibility to ensure national security, this blanket ban appears to be a disproportionate and…

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The Annual Struggle of a Tunisian Freelancer to Renew a Tech Card

On what seemed like a regular morning, a young Tunisian freelancer set out to renew his tech card—a card essential for accessing online services. What should have been a straightforward process quickly unraveled into a bureaucratic marathon, testing patience and resilience. Step 1: The Paperwork Begins The journey started at the local bank branch, where he received a “Declaration of Honor”…