Beylik of Tunis: Map & History
The Beylik of Tunis was the legal form of present-day Tunisia, between 1705 and 1881.
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The Beylik of Tunis was the legal form of present-day Tunisia, between 1705 and 1881. It was ruled by the Husainid dynasty until the establishment of the French protectorate of Tunisia. The term beylik refers to the monarch, who was called the Bey of Tunis. Under the protectorate, the latter remained nominally the head of state, with the Husainids remaining as largely symbolic sovereigns.
Modern Countries Once Part of Beylik of Tunis
At its mapped extent, Beylik of Tunis covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Beylik of Tunis's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Beylik of Tunis in Depth
History
Following the Revolutions of Tunis which saw Ibrahim Sharif overthrow Muradids' power, the latter became the first bey to combine this function with that of Pasha. Taken to Algiers following a defeat against the Dey of Algiers, and unable to put an end to the troubles which agitated the country, he was a victim, on 10 July 1705 of a coup of Al-Husayn I ibn Ali, who took the name of Hussein I.
Hussein I reigned alone over Tunisia, establishing a real monarchy and became Possessor of the Kingdom of Tunis, disposing over all his subjects the right of high and low justice. His decrees and decisions had the force of law.
As Bey of Tunis he sought to be perceived as a popular Muslim interested in local issues and prosperity.
Government
The Beylik of Tunis was a constitutional (1861–1864) and hereditary monarchy with legislative power being exercised by the monarch in conjunction with Supreme Council.
The Bey is considered the leader of the Husainid dynasty, the head of the state, the symbol of its unity, and the protector of its borders. He also exercises power through the government and the Supreme Council, as stipulated in Article 12 of the 1861 Constitution.
What distinguishes the system of government at that time, is that the monarch is responsible before Supreme Council in accordance with Article 11 of the Constitution, which is one of the first countries in the world to stipulate it.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Beylik of Tunis (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Beylik of Tunis: Key Facts
| Capital | Tunis |
|---|---|
| Official language | Arabic |
| Form of government | monarchy |
| Founded | 15 July 1705 |
| Dissolved | 12 May 1881 |
Succeeded by
Facts from Wikidata Q4899891 (CC0).
Beylik of Tunis Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Beylik of Tunis appears, with the other states of the time.
Beylik of Tunis Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 88,079 km² in 1864 CE.
Beylik of Tunis: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Beylik of Tunis exist?
Beylik of Tunis is dated to 1706 CE – 1884 CE, in the Early Modern & Age of Discovery era.
What was the capital of Beylik of Tunis?
The capital of Beylik of Tunis was Tunis.
How large was Beylik of Tunis at its peak?
At its peak in 1864 Beylik of Tunis covered about 88,079 km².
How did the map of Beylik of Tunis change over time?
Beylik of Tunis appears on 2 dated world maps in the atlas, from 1800 CE to 1850 CE. Each shows its borders in that year next to the other states of the time.
Other Sovereign Realms
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Industrial Era • Capital: London
Early Modern & Age of Discovery • Capital: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Lahore, Delhi
Early Modern & Age of Discovery • Capital: Raigad