Abstract
This essay offers a reflection on the political-religious relevance of the Ottoman caliphin the Maghreb, proving to be a factor of Muslim unity, capable of influencing Arabpolitical discourse and public opinion in the early 20th century.The analysis of the Young Tunisians’ press investigates the nationalist movement’sview of the Ottoman caliph between 1907 and 1918. Focusing on the response to thetransformations involving the Ottoman caliph from the Young Turk Revolution in 1908to the First World War, the article examines Le Tunisien and La Revue du Maghreb,charting the orientation of the Young Tunisians in the face of these changes : the reintroductionof the Ottoman constitution, the deposition of Abdülhamid II, the rise tothe throne of Mehmed V, and the rumors for an Arab caliphate.As a result, the analysis of this case study shows the loyalty to the Ottoman caliphby the Young Tunisians. Finally, this approach allows to read the relationship betweenYoung Tunisians and Young Turks from a different angle. Indeed, if the Tunisian nationalistsview the Young Turk Revolution and a constitutionalist and liberal politicalproject as a source of inspiration, and, at the same time, they affirm a strong pan-Islamist sentiment.