Husaynids

(also Husainids) a dynasty of beys that reigned in Tunisia from 1705 to 1957. The Husaynid dynasty was founded by al-Husayn ibn Ali, a Turkish officer of Greek origin. Although the Husaynids officially acknowledged themselves vassals of the Ottoman Empire, they in fact ruled as independent sovereigns. The dynasty lost real power under the French protectorate of 1881 to 1956. Tunisia achieved independence in 1956; on July 25, 1957, the Husaynid dynasty was deposed, and the country was proclaimed a republic.