Califat ottoman et nationalisme arabe vu du Maghreb : les Jeunes Tunisiens prennent la plume

Abstract This essay offers a reflection on the political-religious relevance of the Ottoman caliph in the Maghreb, proving to be a factor of Muslim unity, capable of influencing Arab political discourse and public opinion in the early 20th century. The analysis of the Young Tunisians’ press investigates the nationalist movement’s view of the Ottoman caliph between 1907 and 1918. Focusing on the response to the transformations involving the Ottoman caliph from the Young Turk Revolution in 1908 to the First World War, the article examines Le Tunisien and La Revue du Maghreb , charting the orientation of the Young Tunisians in the face of these changes : the reintroduction of the Ottoman constitution, the deposition of Abdülhamid II , the rise to the throne of Mehmed V , and the rumors for an Arab caliphate. As a result, the analysis of this case study shows the loyalty to the Ottoman caliph by the Young Tunisians. Finally, this approach allows to read the relationship between Young Tunisians and Young Turks from a different angle. Indeed, if the Tunisian nationalists view the Young Turk Revolution and a constitutionalist and liberal political project as a source of inspiration, and, at the same time, they affirm a strong pan- Islamist sentiment.