Kheireddine al-Tunisi and his reformist thesis in Tunis

Abstract

Kheireddine al-Tunisi (d. 1890) is considered one of the most prominent reformist thinkers in the Arab world during the 19th century, combining traditional scientific training with modern experience. He was educated at the Zaytuna Mosque and was influenced by the educational systems he witnessed at Al-Azhar. He also learned about modern European systems during his travels to France and elsewhere, which contributed to the formation of his comprehensive reformist vision. He expressed his intellectual project in his famous book, The Most Correct Paths to Understanding the Conditions of Kingdoms, in which he laid the foundations for comprehensive reform of the state and society.
He called for the establishment of the principle of shura (consultation) and the implementation of the rule of law, as well as the establishment of a state based on institutions. He also sought economic and financial reform, the implementation of taxation, rationalisation of spending, encouragement of agriculture, trade and industry, linking the economy to production rather than privileges, and worked to modernise and reorganise the Tunisian army on modern foundations, improving training and armament to preserve the sovereignty of the state. He also carried out important cultural and educational reforms, These included developing curricula at Zaytouna Mosque, establishing the Sadiki School, where an elite group of intellectual and political leaders studied, and founding a large public library, to which he added his private library, which contained more than 1,100 books. All of this was part of a comprehensive cultural project aimed at modernising the Tunisian state and advancing society intellectually, administratively and politically.