Did you know that Tunisia has been a pioneer in women's rights in the Arab word? The country passed a groundbreaking law called the Personal Status code in 1956 which granted Tunisian women significant rights, including the right to divorce, equal guardianship of children, protection against polygamy, the right to choose their spouse, and the right to work and own property.

Baya’s dreamlike paintings redefined North African art. Her bold use of color and surreal depictions of women, nature, and folklore captivated the likes of Picasso and Matisse. Blending tradition with fantasy, her work became a powerful symbol of identity and resilience, celebrating the richness of Algerian heritage through a unique lens.

There was a pivotal post-independence art movement that redefined Tunisian identity through modernist expression. Emerging from Le Groupe des Dix, L’École de Tunis’ artists merged local traditions with contemporary styles, moving beyond colonial Orientalism.

DJ, producer and composer Jihed Khmiri (aka Pan-J) compiled an all-Tunisian mixtape for us this month featuring artists like Nuri, Badiaa Bouhrizi, Dali Chebil, Bargou 08, Najet Ounis, Lobna Noomen, and Ratchopper.

For any architecture nerds looking for some weirdly and wonderfully shaped buildings from across the region, here are 5 buildings that have a unique form or structure.

Image via Pinterest.