Beylik of Tunis Protectorate of the French Empire (From 1881 to 1956) ← 1705–1956 → Flag Coat of arms Anthem Beylical Anthem The Beylik of Tunis Capital Tunis Government Monarchy Bey  - 1705-1735 Al-Husayn I ibn Ali at-Turki  - 1943-1956 Muhammad VIII al-Amin History  - Established 15 July 1705  - Protectorate 12 May 1881  - Independence 20 March 1956  - Republic declared 25 July 1957 Currency Rial until 1891

The Beylik of Tunis was founded on July 15, 1705, after the Husainid Dynasty led by Al-Husayn I ibn Ali at-Turki defeated the Turkish Deys.

Although defeating the Deys in theory, Tunisia continued to be a vassal of the Ottoman empire and the Friday prayer was pronounced in the name of the Ottoman Sultan, money was coined in his honour, and an annual ambassador brought gifts to Istanbul but the Ottomans never again exacted obedience.

In the 19th century, the country became mostly autonomous, although it was still officially an Ottoman province. In 1861, Tunisia enacted the first constitution in the Arab world, but a move toward a republic was hampered by the poor economy and political unrest. In 1869, Tunisia declared itself bankrupt, and an international financial commission with representatives from France, United Kingdom, and Italy took control over the economy.

Tunisia became a protectorate of France on May 12, 1881 after the French claimed that Tunisian troops had crossed the border into their colony of Algeria. Tunisia was occupied by Germany from 1942 until 1943.

Tunisia received its independence from France March 20, 1956, as a constitutional monarchy with the Bey of Tunis, Muhammad VIII al-Amin, becoming the king of Tunisia. The new kingdom only lasted until July 25, 1957 when a republic was declared.

[edit] See also

• History of Tunisia
• Bey of Tunis
• List of Beys of Tunis

[edit] External links

• Royal Ark
• Worldstatesmen

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