Habib Bourguiba

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Habib Ben Ali Bourguiba (حبيب بورقيبة) (born August 3, 1903 in Monastir, Tunisia – died April 6, 2000) was a Tunisian politican and was President of Tunisia from 1957 to 1987. He is often compared to Turkish leader Kemal Atatürk because of the pro-Western reforms enacted during his administration. During the time Bourguiba was president education received a higher priority. Bourguiba also made an innovative difference within the Arab and Islamic world concerning women rights. He prohibited polygamy and he made separation legitimate. He also raised the nubile age of girls to 17 years.

Bourguiba was installed as president in 1957 after the overthrow of King Muhammad VIII al-Amin, Tunisia's constitutional monarch. Regarded as an ideological moderate, he promoted secularism and women's rights. He was chosen as President for Life by the Tunisian parliament in 1975, although a liberalization program began in 1981 following the sacking of conservative Prime Minister Hédi Nouira.

His presidency was terminated when his advanced age and increasing senility led current Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to stage a coup d'état against Bourguiba's government. Bourguiba was subsequently held under house arrest in Monastir until his death.


Preceded by:
(none)
President of Tunisia
1957–1987
Succeeded by:
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
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