The Educational and Cultural Dimensions of Reforms in Tunisia from 1837-1881

Abstract

Since the 1830s, Tunisia has witnessed a reform movement that encompassed the cultural and educational fields. Modern schools, including military, civil, and foreign schools, were established. Reform orders were issued to modernize education in the University of Ez-Zitouna. The printing press was established, newspapers were founded, and the printing and publishing movement flourished. This positively impacted Tunisian society during the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Reformist ideas spread, and Tunisia opened up to the outside world to keep pace with progress and advancement, which bore fruit in forming an educated elite that led the reform and national movements in Tunisia.