Habib Bourguiba Rank
About Habib Bourguiba
He was the first prime minister and president of Tunisia; deservingly so as he was the chief architect of Tunisia’s independence from French rule. A highly visionary man of the people, he put pragmatism over mere ideology and set about shaping Tunisia’s independence from his socialist views.
Early Years
Born into an impoverished family in the small fishing village of Monastir, Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba grew up in an era where his country was a French protectorate. He had his first educational endeavor at Sadiki College in Tunis and later headed off to Lycée Carnot for his secondary education. During this period, he learned the culture of the French and was also exposed to Western ideologies.
He later moved to France to study law and political science at the University of Paris. Back home in Tunisia in 1927, he practiced law and engaged in some political pursuits.
Political Activism & Neo-Destour
He founded the nationalist newspaper L’Action Tunisienne and became a loyalist of the Destour Party. Overtime, the conservative philosophy of the party fell at odds with his socialist way of thinking. This disconnect was what drove him towards founding the more radical Neo-Destour Party in 1934. The party was pro-independence and supported modernisation, development and secularism.
As the Secretary-General of the new organisation, his anti-conservative philosophy often clashed with the colonial government which led to him being repeatedly arrested. After his second release from prison, he was bent on building a more nationalistic party and extended membership to people in the rural communities, opened invitations to new members and encouraged a more confrontational approach to the ruling administration. He supported the formation of trade unions as a way of resisting the General Confederation of Tunisian Workers which had communist support.
Independent Tunisia
After Habib’s public declaration that Tunisian nationalists would start an armed struggle, the French sat to negotiate with him. They agreed that Tunisia would run its own internal affairs, but the French would have control over defence and foreign affairs. In March 1956, Tunisia attained independence and elected him as Prime Minister and eventually president in 1957.
Death
He died at Monastir, Tunisia in 2000. He was 96.
Personal Life
The Tunisian leader was married to Mathilde Lorrain with whom he shared a son. The couple divorced in 1961. He later married Wassila ben Ammar and went ahead to adopt a daughter. They divorced in 1986.
National Honors
He received the following automatic presidential honors:
Grand Master & Grand Cordon of the National Order of Merit
Grand Cordon of Nichan Iftikar in 1956
Grand Master and Grand Collar of the Order of Independence
Habib Bourguiba Rank
Habib Bourguiba photo gallery
F.A.Q. about Habib Bourguiba
When is his birthday?
Habib Bourguiba's birthday is on August 3, 1903.
In how many days is his birthday?
Habib's birthday is in 127 days
How old was Habib when he died?
He was 96 years old.
When did he die?
He died in April 6, 2000.
How old would he be today?
Habib Bourguiba would be 120 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Habib from?
He was born in Monastir, French Tunisia.