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Middle East Eye
3 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Tunisian group sues French-Tunisian imam for ‘high treason' over visit to Israel
A Tunisian organisation has filed a legal complaint against French-Tunisian imam Hassen Chalghoumi and called for him to be stripped of his Tunisian citizenship following his recent visit to Israel in the midst of its onslaught on Gaza. Chalghoumi, the imam of Drancy's municipal mosque near Paris and the chairman of the Conference of Imams of France, led a delegation of Muslim clerics from Europe to Israel in a visit that claimed to 'build bridges and promote inter-religious dialogue'. The delegation of 15 imams and Muslim leaders from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and visited sites connected to the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack, including Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the Gaza Strip. The trip was organised by the European Leadership Network (Elnet), a pro-Israel group. During the visit, Chalghoumi told the Israeli president that 'the war that broke out after 7 October is not a war between Israel and Hamas or Israel and Hezbollah but a war between two worlds. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "You represent the world of humanity and democracy.' In a video widely circulated on social media, the imam could also be seen attempting to kiss the hand of the Israeli interior minister, Moshe Arbel, who promptly removed his hand. The gesture and the overall visit sparked an outcry in Tunisia, a country that refuses any form of normalisation with Israel. A local watchdog, the Tunisian Observatory for Transparency and Good Governance, announced in a statement over the weekend that it was filing a complaint against Chalghoumi for 'high treason'. "The actions of the Tunisian national, who led a group of European imams (on a visit to Israel) to express their solidarity and condemn the spirit of resistance are a disgrace and undermine the prestige of the Tunisian state," the watchdog said in a statement. "The explicit normalisation issued by this individual does not represent or honour the Tunisian people and state, in all its components, as his positions on the Palestinian cause are known to all. "Chalghoumi's statements constitute direct incitement against resistance to the occupying entity's aggression […] and a call for blatant and public normalisation with the occupying entity," it added. Senior Saudi journalist urges 'coexistence' in landmark visit to Israeli parliament Read More » The Observatory emphasised the need to initiate legal proceedings before military courts 'against anyone involved in espionage activities with foreign countries or in normalisation with the Zionist entity'. It also demanded that Chalghoumi be stripped of his Tunisian nationality. The visit sparked negative reactions elsewhere in the Arab and Muslim worlds. Al-Azhar, the highest seat of learning in Sunni Islam, strongly condemned it as a 'betrayal of religious and human values'. In a statement, the Cairo-based institution said the participants 'falsely claimed their visit aimed to promote coexistence and interfaith dialogue, while blatantly ignoring the ongoing genocide, aggression and ongoing massacres against the Palestinian people for over 20 months'. The European Council of Imams in Paris also issued a strong condemnation, calling the visit 'suspicious' and asserting that it 'does not represent the position of Muslims in Europe'. Meanwhile, a mosque in the Dutch city of Alkmaar fired its imam after he participated in the trip. The Bilal Mosque said that Imam Youssef Msibih was 'immediately removed' from his position. 'The continuity of colonial practices' A media personality in France who has for years advocated 'moderate Islam' and rapprochement between faiths, Chalghoumi is a controversial figure within the Muslim community, notably due to his commitment to normalisation with Israel. On his social media account, Chalghoumi frequently posts against "Islamism" and warns about the alleged "infiltration and destabilising" goals of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. Last month, the imam sparked outrage after dancing at an event in Paris organised in support of Israel and Israeli captives. Outrage after French imam danced at 'Israeli music festival' in Paris Read More » During We Will Dance Again, an Israeli music festival that took place on 22 June, Chalghoumi was spotted dancing on a stage surrounded by Israeli flags. The event was organised by TheTruth, an association founded to challenge 'disinformation, denigration of Israel, antisemitism, political Islam', according to its social media accounts. Chalghoumi's participation in the festival amid Israel's assault on Gaza and its attack on Iran caused heated reactions online, with users accusing the imam of 'celebrating genocide'. For French political scientist François Burgat, a renowned specialist on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and political Islam, the 'fabrication' of Imam Chalghoumi as a 'character' is 'a persistent deception' that undermines the 'representation of Muslims in France'. 'The character of Imam Chalghoumi is the expression of the continuity of colonial practices in contemporary France. 'It was not the French authorities who directly initiated this gross manipulation, but rather Franco-Israeli Zionist circles' -François Burgat, specialist in political Islam "Chalghoumi appears, in fact, as the direct descendant, the exact reproduction of these false Muslim elites fabricated from scratch in Algeria by the colonial authorities to pervert the representation of dominated populations,' Burgat wrote. 'In Chalghoumi's case, however, it was not the French authorities who directly initiated this gross manipulation, but rather Franco-Israeli Zionist circles who, with the obvious consent of [the authorities], literally fabricated his character, placing him at the head of an 'Association of Imams of France' created especially for him,' the academic added. 'This persistent deception thus represents one of the most serious attacks on the mechanisms for representing Muslims in France.'
Metro
08-06-2025
- Metro
The 'Santorini of Tunisia' has cool coffee shops, local art and flights for £76
From the back seat of the taxi, I watch as the speedometer hovers over the 120mph mark. I've just arrived in Tunisia, and instinctively, I reach for the seatbelt, only to find it's missing in action. I turn to the window to find some zen, and as we hurtle towards the town of Sidi Bou Said, the beautiful Lake Tunis stretches out on both sides, a natural lagoon in the outskirts of the capital. For many Brits, Tunisia is synonymous with all-inclusive beach resorts on the Mediterranean. Yet, this is just a fraction of the story. As I quickly discover, this is a country layered with history and culture, and it's ripe for travelers who want to experience an adventure beyond the fight for the hotel sun loungers. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. I flew direct to Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, with Nouvelair, a journey that takes about three hours from London Gatwick. I meet up with with my friend and French-Tunisian jouranlist, Hedi Mehrez, who is determined to show me the very best his country has to offer. Our first stop is the town of Sidi Bou Said. Perched high above the Mediterranean, just 30 minutes from central Tunis, it feels like it belongs in a postcard. Whitewashed buildings shimmer in the 25°C sun, their bright blue shutters mimicking the colours of the sea. It is those characteristics that often bring comparisons to the Greek island of Santorini. Sidi Bou Said has a similar dreamlike feel – though without the invasive crowds and a distinct North African soul. Hedi tells me that the town is a 'true source of pride' for Tunisians, adding: 'It is always one of the first places I take my foreign friends, as it beautifully showcases the rich culture Tunisia has to offer. I am truly attached to Sidi Bou Said – I often go simply to take in the breathtaking views.' Before taking on the cobbled streets, we stop for sustenance. The Tunisian Assida Zgougou, a delicious custard-type dessert made out of Aleppo pine powder and topped with crushed pistachios, does the job. We also grab a refreshing cold brew from the trendy branch of Ben Rahim Coffee. The stroll through Sidi Bou Said reveals something charming at every turn – tiny shops spilling over with hand-crafted ceramics and jewellery. Nomad is one of several art galleries worth checking out, showcasing traditional and also more modern pieces that honour Tunisia's rich history. As we descend the main hill, a crowd has gathered at a lookout point at the end of the path. From here, the view is nothing short of cinematic – the sun bouncing off the golden sands below and the waves of the sea crashing in the shoreline. Another taxi ride – a much shorter and calmer one – takes us to La Marsa, a larger coastal town next to Sidi Bou Said. This is where one of my favourite artists, Palestinian singer Saint Levant, posted a video from yesterday, so I secretly hope to bump into him. Walking up and down the sandy beach, surrounded by topless men playing volleyball and practicing gymnastics, there is no trace of the musician. Oh, well – next time. Instead, I spend ages watching an elderly couple feeding the packs of stray dogs and cats, tossing slabs of salami at them. Couple goals in 50 years. Beyond Tunisia's beaches there so many place to explore – from the towering Roman amphitheatre of El Jem to the Great Mosque of Kairouan. Both are situated about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tunis, but if you have a couple of days to spare, the trips are well worth it. The town of El Jem is home to the famous amphitheatre, where parts of the Oscar-winning film Gladiator were filmed. Only the Colosseum in Rome and the ruined theatre of Capua are larger. The Great Mosque in the ancient city of Kairouan and is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa. It's commonly regarded as the fourth holiest site in Islam. The seafront at La Marsa is where Tunisians come to unwind – teenagers are skating along the palm-lined promenade, families with children playing in the sand and friends sipping on cocktails at rooftop bars. The vibe here is effortlessly stylish and cool – but also warm and welcoming. Considering the lack of so-called third spaces in London, it is both inspiring and humbling to see that community lies at the heart of daily life in Tunisia. Whether it is feeding animals at the beech, sharing food with neighbours or simply gathering at the local café for late-night conversation over a sizzling shisha. Dinner is at one of the many upscale restaurants that surround the beach at La Marsa. Before we know it the sun has set and it is time for the next adventure at nearby Gammarth. Once a small fishing village, it blossomed into a resort following Tunisia's hard-fought independence from French colonial rule in 1956. Now it is a vibrant nighttime hub, famous for its nightclubs, as well as five-star hotels and sprawling beaches. The taxi speeds past several clubs pumping loud music – Foll'Amour, Zebra, Molo and eventually Gingembre, a very liberal open-concept venue playing Latin trap and Arab tunes from the 2000s. I dance the night away, sipping on a supreme Tunisian lager called Celtia. @saintlevant self explanatory ♬ Sabah Wu Masaa – Fairuz Tunisia may not be the easiest destination for first-time travellers, but it is certainly one of the most rewarding. Public transport can be confusing to navigate, so if you don't drive, taxis quickly become your best friend. Expect to be hustled here – it is an art form. A drive from the centre of the capital to Sidi Bou Said, for example, costs 20 TND or £5. But sometimes, taxi drivers will 'forget' to turn on the metre or charge a flat fee, which can often be double or even triple. Considering that the average monthly salary in the country is £400 – and an Uber ride in London for a similar distance could cost up to £50 – it is a tiny price to pay to be welcomed here. More Trending It's worth arriving with an open mind and a flexible attitude. Infrastructure is not always super tourist-friendly, but people are helpful and warm. A few words of French – or even better, Tunisian Arabic – go a long way. Uber does not operate in Tunisia, and while Bolt was once an alternative – though much pricier than hailing a taxi – its services were suspended last month following money laundering allegations. My flight to Tunis arrived just past midnight, so I pre-booked a taxi from the airport through where I also booked my hotels, which can fill up fast. Flights from London to Tunis Carthage Airport start at around £76 one way with Nouvelair (flying in January). There are six direct trips from Gatwick Airport every week .Gergana Krasteva was a guest of Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Hawaii of Europe's' breathtaking capital gets new £39 easyJet flights from UK MORE: Peru should be your next travel destination – and not for Machu Picchu MORE: I travelled Uzbekistan before it was 'cool' — go before everyone else does
CairoScene
18-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
This French-Tunisian Label is Rooted in Consciousness and Culture
'In Tunisia, they call us the 'chez nous là-bas,' which means 'at home over there,' I thought, why not embrace this identity?' What does it mean to feel at home, even when you're far away? For many in the diaspora, it's a question of identity, rooted in the traditions and memories that travel with them. For Camélia Barbachi, it was this sense of belonging that inspired the creation of Chez Nous, a slow fashion label that bridges her French-Tunisian heritage with a commitment to ethical production. Growing up in France, Barbachi remained connected to her North African roots. 'I was super excited for summer in Tunisia, where I would explore in more depth my grandma's traditional garments and jewellery,' Barbachi tells Scene Styled. Yet, fashion wasn't initially her way of expressing this connection. It wasn't until the global shakeup of 2020 that Barbachi found herself drawn to creating something that resonated with her background and values. "I had just spent an academic year investigating the impact of fast fashion, and I felt the ethical fashion offer was lacking creativity but also inclusivity," she says. 'I just thought to myself 'maybe that's something I can bring to the table,'' Barbachi notes This realisation was the catalyst for Chez Nous, a brand that seeks to bring people together through fashion that is both ethical and deeply personal. The name, she explains, came naturally. 'In Tunisia, they call us the 'chez nous là-bas,' which means 'at home over there,' referring to Tunisians from the diaspora. I thought, why not embrace this identity?' Launching a slow fashion brand from scratch, especially as a young graduate, came with its fair share of challenges. Financing was a significant hurdle, particularly because Barbachi insisted on the highest ethical standards for every part of the production process. "When you decide to do things ethically, everything is expensive: from fabrics to manufacturing to packaging," she explains. To overcome these obstacles, she turned to crowdfunding, successfully gathering over 250 pre-orders in just one month. With her first collection funded, Barbachi was able to focus on what truly mattered: quality over quantity. This philosophy continues to guide the brand today, ensuring that each piece is meticulously crafted, with the strictest standards for sustainability and ethical production. Chez Nous' garments are produced in Tunisia and France, where Barbachi works with ethical workshops that guarantee fair wages and working conditions. 'It was important to me that the brand's values were reflected in the entire production process,' she says. This sense of responsibility extends to every aspect of the business, from fabric sourcing to packaging, and is a key element of the brand's growing reputation. From traditional North African wear to the rich colours and patterns inspired by Tunisian architecture, Chez Nous is a celebration of cultural identity. "I've always been very proud of my Tunisian heritage," she tells SceneStyled. "My brand is an outlet for me to pay tribute to that and celebrate my identity through art." One of Barbachi's personal favourite pieces is the "Anwar" overshirt, inspired by the traditional Tunisian 'dengri'. "It's an ode to the immigrants who worked hard so that my generation could have a better life," she says. As the world begins to grapple with the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion, slow fashion is increasingly gaining momentum. Barbachi sees a promising future for the movement. "As people become more aware, I think the demand for ethical, high-quality, and timeless pieces will grow," she says. At Copenhagen Fashion Week, where she recently participated, brands were required to meet stringent sustainability criteria - a positive sign for the industry's future. 'It made me quite optimistic about what's to come.' For Chez Nous, the goal is to lead by example, offering consumers an alternative to fast fashion by promoting clothing that's not just stylish, but meaningful. "We aim to inspire a new generation to embrace slow fashion as a lifestyle, not just a trend," Barbachi tells SceneStyled. Three years after its founding, Chez Nous continues to grow, with Barbachi navigating the notoriously difficult fashion industry as a newcomer. Her dedication to sustainability and ethical practices earned her a nomination for the "Designer for the Planet" category at Milan Fashion Week, a significant milestone for the brand. "That was definitely an important milestone," she says. Ultimately, Chez Nous is a message of connection; to our roots, to each other, and to the world around us. As Barbachi tells SceneStyled, "It's about creating a sense of home, wherever you are, through clothing that embodies culture, consciousness, and authenticity."
Egypt Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Nadine Abdel Ghaffar Meets French President Emmanuel Macron During His Official Visit to Egypt
During his recent official visit to Egypt, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron met with Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art D'Égypte by CulturVator, at the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Cairo. This meeting reaffirms the deep-rooted cultural ties between Egypt and France and supports their joint efforts to foster dialogue between civilizations through art and culture. This meeting comes four years after Ms. Nadine Abdel Ghaffar was awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, in recognition of her impactful contributions to promoting art and culture and sharing Egyptian creativity with the world. During the meeting, President Macron expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Art D'Égypte by Culturvator in promoting Egyptian culture and preserving heritage by merging it with contemporary art. He emphasized the importance of continuing cultural cooperation between France and Egypt. In turn, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar shared her pride in the meeting, noting that France's support for the arts and culture continues to inspire her mission to position Egypt as a global platform for art and creativity. This year marks the fifth edition of the Forever is Now exhibition, which will feature a renowned French artist. Since its launch, the exhibition has served as a cultural bridge between Egypt and France, being the first contemporary art exhibition ever held at the Pyramids of Giza. Over the years, it has welcomed some of the most French prominent artists who left a significant mark on the Egyptian art scene: • JR, the French visual artist, participated in the first and second editions with large-scale interactive works combining photography and conceptual art, creating a unique experience that bridges past and present. • eL Seed, the French-Tunisian artist, blended Arabic calligraphy with street art to convey messages of unity and shared culture in a captivating visual language. • In the third edition, Stephan Bruer, a digital artist, presented a distinctive visual experience that reinterpreted ancient Egyptian architecture through light and visual illusion. • In the fourth edition, Jean-Marie Appriou added a mythological dimension to the historical site through his poetic sculptural works, supported by Perrotin Gallery. Prominent French cultural institutions have played a vital role in the success of these initiatives, including the French Embassy in Egypt, the French Institute in Cairo, and the Centre Pompidou under the leadership of Laurent Le Bon. TV5 Monde also supported the global promotion of the exhibition through media campaigns that amplify the voice of contemporary art and highlight the importance of cultural dialogue. As further global recognition, the exhibition is under the patronage of UNESCO, headquartered in France, emphasizing its role in connecting civilizations and preserving heritage through modern art. Forever is Now presents a unique artistic vision that merges Egypt's ancient legacy with contemporary expression, offering visitors a journey from the depths of history to the horizons of the future. The project embodies the strong cultural bond between Egypt and France and underscores how art can be a powerful tool for human and cultural connection across time. Through these initiatives, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar and Art D'Égypte by CulturVator continue to play a pivotal role in building bridges between civilizations and positioning Egypt as a global destination for art and creativity.
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Hidden treasures: el Seed unveils 'Continuum' in Diriyah
RIYADH: In conjunction with Art Week Riyadh, French-Tunisian artist Faouzi Khlifi — better known as eL Seed — has transformed the side streets of Diriyah into an interactive art experience. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ His temporary installation 'Continuum' uses his signature style, combining Arabic calligraphy and sculpture with vibrant colors and playful elements. This time, he's inviting the public to embark on a scavenger hunt to uncover seven hidden artworks throughout the area. Visitors can access an online map to guide them to each installation. 'The concept of mixing sculpture and painting was something I wanted to for a few years. I did some experiments from 2019, but I never made it real. Until now,' he told Arab News. 'Continuum' is also deeply rooted in eL Seed's ongoing exploration of identity. 'As a kid growing up in France to Tunisian parents, I felt so many times — people made me feel — that there was something missing, you know? That's why I got into Arabic calligraphy, because of this identity crisis that had as a kid in France,' he says. 'I needed to come back to my roots.' Entirely self-funded and built with the help of a tight-knit local team, 'Continuum' reflects eL Seed's commitment to both community engagement and independent artistic expression. 'I'm an artist. This project for me was really about challenging myself,' he says. 'I was not commissioned. It's a passion project. Over the past few months, he scouted various locations, ultimately selecting seven overlooked walls across Diriyah (because, he says, 'six is too little and eight is too many') — spaces that many pass by daily without noticing. 'I call those 'lost walls.' The wall has a story that people don't even look at,' he says. 'People just walk right by. They don't even see it.' Each of the sites features a unique Arabic quote chosen by the artist, sourced from Arab writers whose messages explore themes of belonging. 'The wall speaks to me and I know which quote to use for it,' el Seed says. The sculptural works were produced in collaboration with Rashed AlShashai, a prominent Saudi artist who has a studio at JAX. They fabricated the custom items on site. 'I had a beautiful team of people who helped me to make it happen. The community helped me. The Rashed AlShashai team, they produced the sculpture in a week,' eL Seed says. Planning for the project began back in September. Initially, eL Seed considered a different location — two hours from Riyadh — before deciding that Diriyah offered the perfect balance of visibility and charm. And the project was, at one point, going to be launched in February, but he decided to launch it at the inaugural Art Week Riyadh instead, to give it 'importance.' The installations will be gone in two weeks. Though temporary, they are meant to spark long-lasting conversations around public space, memory and meaning. 'It's a broken wall,' he says. 'But for me, it's about putting a sculpture where you're not supposed to find it, and the conversation (it sparks) with people in the neighborhood… kids, other people… When I was working, a man was walking back home from the mosque. He's like, 'Why are you painting here? It's like a museum now!'' Alongside the public works, eL Seed is also debuting a new exhibition, which opened April 8, that ties into the themes of the outdoor installations. Having been involved with the Kingdom for the past 15 years, eL Seed says he feels a deep connection to the country. 'I think people here appreciate my work and I appreciate the people here. I enjoy being here. I enjoy coming to Riyadh,' he says. He hopes the public will hunt for the pieces, photograph them and engage with the city in a new way. Both on and offline. 'So it's (art) and a treasure together,' he says. 'And the cool part is: If you want to steal them, you can.'
