Caïd Nessim, central character of the dynasty of the Scemama or Samama caïds of Tunis
16
JULY
2012
Caïd Nessim Scemama (or Samama, Chemama, Shammâma) belonged to the so-called indigenous Jewish community twânsa of Tunis; his family was part of the Jewish elite and of the great Tunisian bourgeoisie over a period spanning two centuries, from the mid-18th century until the independence of the Tunisia. At that time, the Scemamas provided a large number of personalities in the Regency of Tunis in key areas of Tunisian society, including the administration of finance with the dynasty of the caïds. More than 15 Scemama caïds were ministries of Finances of the Regency of Tunis. The height of this family will be reached in the second part of the 19th century with the Nessim caïd, from 1852 on. At the same time, the Scemamas access to the function of caïd of the Israelites or head of the Jewish community. Nessim Scemama, controversial figure, represented the most significant personality of this dynasty, very famous by its actions in the financial crisis suffered by Tunisia at this time. This character is cited by many authors. He was the subject of several novels, and contributes in some way to the historiography of the Tunisia during the pre-colonial period.
Speaker | Location |
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Gilles BOULU |
Ella Fitzgerald B |