Tunisia: Evacuation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Tunisia

Every year on October 15, Tunisians commemorate the anniversary of the ultimate withdrawal of the French army from Tunisian territory in 1963 by celebrating Evacuation Day. This is a national holiday in Tunisia, and in observance, every state organizes demonstrations and official processions. Additionally, the soldiers and civilians who perished during the Bizerte Crisis are remembered with reverence. A three-day conflict for control of Bizerte ensued between Tunisian and French forces during the Bizerte Crisis. Despite having granted Tunisia independence, the French colonists retained a naval base at Bizerte and amassed portions of extremely fruitful Tunisian territory. The situation compelled Tunisia to take action in its own self-interest.

The background of Tunisia: Evacuation Day

In 1883, during a period of accelerated colonization of the African continent by European powers known as “The scramble for Africa,” Tunisia was elevated to the status of a French protectorate. The French invaded Tunisia with an army of 36,000 soldiers and coerced the country’s ruler to sign a treaty bestowing France control over the territory.

For apparent strategic reasons, the French maintained control of the city of Bizerte, which is located south of Sicily, despite Tunisia’s independence in 1956. In addition, France retained territory in the most fruitful regions of Tunisia.

In an effort to compel the French to withdraw and regain control, Tunisian forces imposed a blockade on the French naval base at Bizerte in July 1961. As an overt display of strength in reaction to the blockade, 800 French paratroopers were dispatched in. The subsequent conflict between French paratroopers and Tunisian forces resulted in a comprehensive French incursion into the region of Bizerte. The French ultimately transferred control of the city and naval base to Tunisia in 1963.

Evacuation Day is observed to commemorate the final French troops’ withdrawal from Bizerte on October 15, 1963, which signified the conclusion of French colonial rule in Tunisia. Every French combatant and French Admiral Maurice Amman departed the city on that date.

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5 fascinating facts regarding Tunisia

The Bardo National Museum, situated in Tunisia, ranks as the continent’s second largest museum.

Tunisia is home to the most sizable colosseum anywhere in North Africa.

People constructed underground dwellings in the Tunisian village of Matmata to escape the oppressive heat of the Sahara Desert.

In Kebili, Tunisia, archaeologists have discovered animal bones and Stone Age artifacts.

Kairouan, located in Tunisia, ranks as the fourth most significant metropolis in the Islamic world, following Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

TUNISIA: EVACUATION DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	October 15	Sunday
2024	October 15	Tuesday
2025	October 15	Wednesday
2026	October 15	Thursday
2027	October 15	Friday