Espace (s) public(s) en Tunisie. De l’évolution des politiques aux mutations des pratiques

Abstract

The issue of public space, related to both the physical space and discursive and political space, is at the heart of the Tunisian Revolution. This issue concerns the symbolic role of many places, as well as changes in social practices. In Tunisia, Political protests are causing transformations of both urban public spaces and the discursive public space. What were the impacts of these mobilizations? How have they changed the modes of production of public space? What are the connections of these changes with the democratic transition from the dictatorial system? Our response is developed through theories affirming that there are essential relationships between physical public spaces and discursive public spaces. We observe the transformation of urban public space initiated by the Tunisian Revolution which starts from the modes of production of public space under the old regime and the temporal evolution of social practices to achieve the transformations. Our conclusions confirm the importance of the spatial dimension of political fact. At the same time, they highlight the contradictions that arise when moving from an authoritarian production of public spaces for the production of public space under freedom.

Keywords

• Tunisia
• Public spaces
• Political space
• Spatial practices
• Revolution