As the 70th anniversary of Tunisia's independence approaches, the nation grapples with a profound sense of nostalgia for the leadership of Habib Bourguiba, the founding president. Bourguiba's policies, which included advancements in women's rights and educational reform, are vividly recalled by Tunisians who reflect on a time when the country was seen as a beacon of progress in the region. The current state of disillusionment among citizens stems from economic, social, and political crises that have plagued Tunisia since the 2011 revolution, which many had hoped would bring about positive change.

Nacer, a resident of the capital, shares his memories of both the celebration of independence in 1956 and the subsequent hope during the Jasmine Revolution in 2011. His reflections capture the sentiment of a generation that had anticipated the promise of democracy and growth but now faces stark realities of hardship and instability. Street life in Tunis is a reminder of the dual nature of the country’s past—pride in its independence and despair over its current situation.

As the anniversary approaches, there is an underlying concern about how to honor the legacy of Bourguiba amidst the celebrations, as many struggle to find a way forward. His policies, especially in promoting secularism and women's rights, are seen as increasingly under threat. Conversations about Tunisia's future are intertwined with nostalgia for a leader who inspired a vision of a prosperous, modern nation, raising questions about the paths taken and those that lie ahead in these tumultuous times.