Tunisian Shiites: Cautious Path of Growth in Challenging Environment

DID Press: After the Tunisian revolution in 2011, Shiites in the country faced new and complex realities that shaped their cautious behavior in social and political spheres. Accurate information about the population and activities of Shiites in Tunisia is not readily available, as many adherents of this sect conceal their identity as much as possible due to fear of social pressure, threats from extremist groups, and security risks. This behavior stems less from religious taqiyya (precautionary dissimulation) and more from Tunisia’s historical, social, and political conditions.

One of the main reasons for Shiite caution is the post-revolution context. After 2011, Tunisia faced unusual social and security developments that made the Shiite presence sensitive and vulnerable. The rise of extremist Salafi groups and terrorist organizations such as “Ansar al-Sharia” and “Katibat Uqba ibn Nafi” placed Shiites under direct threat. Although these groups sometimes had internal conflicts, they shared a common stance against Shiism and emphasized the need to contain and suppress it.

Bashir bin Hussein, a Tunisian Salafi preacher, said in an interview with journalist Zuhair Latif that Shiism, in its scholarly sense, does not exist in Tunisia and that confronting it by force is necessary. Such statements demonstrate that the Salafi movement portrays Shiism as a foreign and unfamiliar phenomenon and considers its spread a threat to its historical influence in the region.

After the revolution, Tunisian Shiites chose to adopt a cautious approach because they were uncertain about the response of the new political authorities. Although ideologically aligned with Islamic movements in rejecting a civil government, they were perceived as a threat due to their religious loyalty and ties to Iran. This threat led Shiites to avoid public gatherings and collective activities, not out of taqiyya, but because of real dangers.

In addition to internal threats, Sunni currents—especially extremist groups—consider Tunisia and North Africa their historical sphere of influence and are unwilling to compromise. Shiites also lack a central institution or representative to coordinate their interests, which has reinforced their cautious and conservative behavior. Political uncertainty, rising violence, media chaos, and religious discord have further heightened the level of caution among Shiites.

The historical memory of Tunisian Shiites also plays a role in this caution. Previous generations were repeatedly persecuted and massacred for adhering to Shiism. Notable events include the “Mujzarat al-Dam” (Massacre of Blood) in Kairouan, where the Shiite population of the city was completely wiped out. These historical memories, combined with personal experiences, contribute to the cautious and conservative behavior of today’s Shiites.

Despite restrictions and threats, Shiites in Tunisia have maintained their presence in certain areas and have even experienced cautious growth. They adhere to the Twelver Ja‘fari school of Shiism and are dispersed across various cities and villages, although their exact numbers are unverifiable, and most statistics are estimates.

Geographic Distribution of Shiites in Tunisia:

• Greater Tunis: A significant number of Shiites are active in sports, arts, education, and healthcare.
• Sousse: This coastal city, especially the Msaken area, hosts a notable Shiite population after 2011. Proximity to Mahdia, the historical capital of the Fatimids, has influenced the Shiite presence here.
• Mahdia: This historic city is the second major base for Shiites in Tunisia and was the birthplace of the largest Shiite state in North Africa. Shiites are present in surrounding areas such as Karkar, Chabeh, and Rjeesh.
• Qafsah and Gabès: Both southern cities are active Shiite centers. The town of El-Hamma in Gabès is a key center of Shiism, and figures such as Mubarak Baadash and Muhammad al-Rasafi al-Miqdad have contributed to religious growth in the region. Locals in Gabès today refer to their city as “Qom,” reflecting their evident religious identity.
• Bizerte, Jendouba, and Medenine: Shiites are dispersed in these cities, mostly in specific urban and rural areas. Djerba Island in Medenine, due to its unique history and isolated conditions, hosts a significant Shiite population.
• Nabeul and Sidi Bouzid: Both urban and rural areas in these governorates have Shiite communities, especially in regions with historical and familial ties to Shiism.
• Kairouan: A historic city with a Sunni majority, yet Shiites maintain a limited but continuous presence in husayniyyas and religious ceremonies.

Despite widespread dispersion, Shiites continue to face challenges in social legitimacy. They are a minority among the Sunni majority and lack a central institution or representative to coordinate collective support. This has led to cautious and conservative behavior. Many Shiites in the same neighborhood or street may be unaware of each other, connecting only through limited meetings or mutual collective activities.

Accurate statistics on Tunisia’s Shiite population are unknown. Some sources estimate a few thousand, while others suggest hundreds of thousands. What is certain is the cautious and steady growth of Shiites in certain areas and their influence in cultural, social, and educational domains.

Tunisian Shiites have chosen a path of cautious interaction with society. While preserving their security, they engage in limited and non-disruptive activities and seek to expand their presence in social and cultural arenas without clashing with majority currents. This cautious approach is not solely the result of religious taqiyya but reflects historical experience, social and security conditions, and the country’s political structure.

Overall, it can be said that Tunisian Shiites follow a cautious path of growth—one that is consistently marked by prudence and vigilance. With awareness of historical and contemporary threats and limitations, they strive to consolidate their position in society while avoiding conflict with majority currents and movements.