bey

Tunisia was declared a Protectorate and, by the middle of 1882, the entire region had been brought under French military authority with a French Resident installed alongside the traditional ruler, the 'bey' .

The 'bey' then called for French support, and three French columns, totalling some 35,000 men, were deployed.

For the next 1,300 years, a succession of Arab, Mameluke, and Ottoman caliphs, 'beys' , and sultans ruled the country.

The various 'beys' and pashas who ruled these states paid substantial sums annually to the Sultan.

If he was awake and saw me he would spring up, bow low and kiss my hand, enquiring politely after Bulent 'Bey' Efendi and myself.

Tunisia was ruled by the Husseini dynasty of 'beys' from 1705 to 1957.

The wife of Hâfiz 'Bey' , my friend, lies near to death!