Between Conflict and Convergence: A Study of the Relationship between the Governors of the Algerian and Tunisian Regencies in the Late Ottoman Period through Tunisian Archival Documents

Abstract

Geographic proximity and contiguity between Algeria and Tunisia contributed to the formation of a shared historical experience, reflected in their subjection, at various periods, to a single authority, including Ottoman rule during the modern era. What characterized Ottoman governance in both territories was the relative autonomy of each side. However, the autonomy of the Regency of Tunisia remained limited, as the rulers of Algeria intervened in its internal struggles for power during the period from 1725 to 1756, at the request of its rulers, within the framework of the Husaynid Basha conflict. Despite the end of this conflict, its effects remained evident, particularly in the continued intervention of Algerian rulers in Tunisian affairs as a result of the privileges they had obtained, having played a decisive role in resolving the conflict. This situation persisted until 1807, when Hamuda Pasha al Husayni decided to put an end to Algerian influence in Tunisia by launching a campaign against Constantine, an action that led to a deterioration in relations between the two sides for several years, until the intervention of the Ottoman Sultan, who brokered a reconciliation between them in 1821.
Subsequently, channels of communication were formalized at the level of the authorities of the two Regencies, as well as in the organization of commercial transactions between them. A degree of rapprochement emerged, driven by the necessity of maintaining relations in military, political, and economic spheres, in light of their geographic proximity and shared interests.
Through this study, we aim to examine the impact of the interventions of Algerian rulers in the Husaynid Basha conflict during the eighteenth century on the trajectory of relations between the two Regencies at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The analysis is based first on local historical sources from both Regencies, before turning to Tunisian archival documents to highlight aspects of conflict and the attempts, particularly by the Tunisian side, to foster rapprochement.
We also seek to investigate the impact of geographic proximity and neighboring relations between the Regencies of Algeria and Tunisia in shaping a form of quasi political hegemony exercised by Algerian rulers over Tunisia. This was manifested in their continuous intervention in its internal affairs, whether at the request of its rulers or on the basis of privileges they had obtained. Furthermore, the study examines the repercussions of this situation on both subjects and officials, especially in Algeria, at the political, social, and economic levels.