New Book "Bargou: Between Memory and History" Released

A new 300-page book, "Bargou: Between Memory and History," co-authored by Moez Bargui and Moustapha Bargui, has been presented and dedicated in the Siliana governorate. The work delves into the academic study of local history and its contribution to broader historical narratives. It also analyzes the role of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in fostering sustainable local development.

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the book fulfills three fundamental functions: historical documentation, cultural documentation, and development.

Moez Bargui, a doctor in sustainable development and cultural heritage protection, stated that the book serves three key functions: historical documentation, cultural documentation, and development promotion. He suggested it implicitly calls for developing tourist routes in Jebel Bargou and encouraging alternative tourism investments. The book details the crucial support provided by Bargou's residents to fighters during the Battle of Jebel Bargou from May 1952 to November 1954, a period that culminated in French colonial authorities initiating negotiations for internal autonomy.

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the battle of Jebel Bargou constituted an important stage that ended with the decision of the French colonial authorities to begin negotiations for internal autonomy.

Bargui also highlighted unique local customs, such as "Mansiyya bread," a large Tabouna bread, and the practice of raising "mountain cows," reflecting the mountainous terrain and the socio-economic conditions of the time. Moustapha Bargui, a writer and historian, explained the book's structure, covering the region's history from the Capsian era to contemporary times, exploring the settlement of indigenous and migrant populations in Jebel Bargou villages, and diagnosing development imbalances and their causes.

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the book is structured around three main axes: the first traces the history of the region from the Capsian era to the contemporary period, passing through the Middle Ages; the second deals with the indigenous inhabitants and the arrivals in the villages of Jebel Bargou; the third axis is devoted to diagnosing development imbalances in the region and their causes.

Journalist Raja Gharsa emphasized the battle's significance in Tunisian resistance history, attributing the success of a small group of fighters against French forces to their belief in victory and the strong support of the local population. The book aims to preserve Bargou's heritage and promote its development potential.

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the capacity of a small number of fighters to confront and defeat the French forces without military command is mainly explained by their faith in victory and the support of the local population, which served as the basis for the resistance.