Lebess… Young Generation in Post – Revolution Tunisia

by Tom Szustek

Dramatic and deep changes which have rolled through Tunisia after 2011’s revolution overturned the political, social and economic life in the country.

How did the young generation find themselves in a new situation? Hopes are mixed with disappointments. While most of the young women and men are optimistic, a few pessimistic voices can be heard as well.

“Lebess” is a popular answer for “How’re you today” and means “fine”. That’s the common answer on daily basis but how will it be in a few years time?

Political and economic instability combined with recent incidents caused by violent Salafists- radical Islamist group – undermined the feeling of great relief and excitement which was common right after the revolution. The countryside which is already under the great influence of Salafi movement and cosmopolitan, westernized big cities like Tunis
and Sousse need to find a way for a peaceful coexisting to ensure stable development. Is it possible? The political experts share different views on the Tunisian future – from Islamist state to Western-style democracy.

  • Street scene, Sousse
  • Aicha, student, hopes for job after graduation
  • Poet Majd Mastoura performs at the Amnesty International meeting in Tunis
  • Tunis, city centre
  • Hosni, student, hopes for not only political but also cultural change
  • Men at the street café
  • View through the train window
  • Lotfi, street vendor selling eggs,Tunis
  • oung women on the street of Tunis
  • Asma and Ahmed at the park, Tunis
  • Tarek, mobile phone seller
  • Street scene in the front of El Fateh mosque in Tunis
  • Students listen to the music, Tunis
  • Ayman, hopes of bigger influence of Islam in Tunisa
  • three men sit at the bar
  • Man rides on scooter, Tunis
  • Street scene, Sousse
  • riday prayer in front of El Fateh mosque in Tunis
  • Students in Tunis
  • Teenagers play cards in Tunis café
  • Couple walk the street of Tunis
  • Billard club, Kairouan
  • Muhammad, blames politicians for corruption
  • Street in Sousse
  • Street scene in Kairouan
  • Jeweher, student from Tunis
  • Couple in Sidi Bou Said
  • Souha, student, believes in progress in Tunisia
  • Man sits in front of the house, Kairouan