Madrasa Al Khaldounia or simply Khaldounia ( ar, الخلدونية) is the first modern school founded in
Tunisia
)
, image_map = Tunisia location (orthographic projection).svg
, map_caption = Location of Tunisia in northern Africa
, image_map2 =
, capital = Tunis
, largest_city = capital
, ...
on December 22, 1896.
The
madrasa
Madrasa (, also , ; Arabic: مدرسة , pl. , ) is the Arabic word for any type of educational institution, secular or religious (of any religion), whether for elementary instruction or higher learning. The word is variously transliterated '' ...
is a good example of
democracy
Democracy (From grc, δημοκρατία, dēmokratía, ''dēmos'' 'people' and ''kratos'' 'rule') is a form of government in which people, the people have the authority to deliberate and decide legislation ("direct democracy"), or to choo ...
, as all its members and presidents were elected. It was a free, public and laic institution. For years, it published regularly a review to facilitate Franco-Tunisian exchanges.
Nowadays, it is a bilingual library attached to the
National Library of Tunisia.
History
Khaldounia was established by
Young Tunisians
The Young Tunisians ( ar, حركة الشباب التونسى ') (french: Jeunes Tunisiens) was a Tunisian political party and political reform movement in the early 20th century. Its main goal was to advocate for reforms in the French protector ...
led by
Bechir Sfar, who aimed to spread the scientific knowledge in the Arabic culture. He had the support of
René Millet,
the
French resident-general in Tunisia who was in charge of writing the madrasa's status that excluded political and religious discussions and emphasized on the importance of
critical thinking.
Khaldounia.jpg, Entrance of the Khaldounia association
Médersa El Khaldounia photo 2 المدرسة الخلدونية.JPG, Dead end of the madrasa
Tunisia578.jpg, Marble plaque at the entrance of the Khaldounia Library
Tunisia576.jpg, Decoration at the entrance
References
{{Authority control
Madrasas in the medina of Tunis
Libraries in Tunisia