In 1956, Tunisia issued a pair of striking stamps commemorating Farhat Hached, a prominent trade unionist and nationalist leader who played a pivotal role in the country’s fight for independence. These stamps, issued on Labour Day (May 1st), honour his legacy as a champion of the working class and a symbol of Tunisia’s anti-colonial movement.
The Stamps: A Symbolic Design
The two stamps feature a portrait of Farhat Hached with the following denominations:
- 15 francs in a red and white colour scheme, symbolizing his revolutionary spirit.
- 30 francs in blue and white, reflecting the calm determination that characterized his leadership.
The bilingual inscriptions include Arabic and French, marking Tunisia’s transition from a colonial past to an independent nation. Designed by the renowned artist Gandon, these stamps were issued as part of Tunisia’s early post-independence philatelic series.
Who Was Farhat Hached?
Born on 2 February 1914 in Kerkennah (Abbasiya), Hached emerged as a leading figure in Tunisia’s independence movement. His contributions include:
- Founding the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) in 1946, which became a powerful voice for the working class and a cornerstone of the independence struggle.
- Advocating for Tunisia’s Independence: Alongside leaders like Habib Bourguiba and Salah Ben Youssef, Hached tirelessly campaigned against French colonial rule.
- Global Recognition: His efforts gained international attention, particularly from labour organizations in the United States and other Western nations.
The Tragic Assassination
On 5 December 1952, Farhat Hached was assassinated near Radès, a suburb of Tunis. His murder was initially attributed to the clandestine pro-colonial group La Main Rouge (The Red Hand), later revealed to have ties to French intelligence services. His death sparked widespread protests and became a rallying point for Tunisia’s independence movement.
Hached’s assassination occurred during a period of intense resistance against French colonialism. While many Tunisian leaders were imprisoned or exiled, Hached’s growing influence among international labour unions provided him with a degree of immunity. Unable to silence him through legal means, French authorities orchestrated his assassination, a shocking act that underscored the desperation of colonial forces.
The Stamps’ Historical Significance
Issued in 1956, the year Tunisia achieved independence, these stamps were a powerful tribute to Hached’s contributions:
- Commemorating a National Hero: As one of the first commemorative issues of independent Tunisia, they symbolize the nation’s gratitude to Hached’s legacy.
- Labour Day Connection: The release on May 1st highlights Hached’s role as a labour leader and his fight for workers’ rights.
- Philatelic Milestone: These stamps marked Tunisia’s early efforts to establish its identity through philately, celebrating its heroes and milestones.
Farhat Hached’s Legacy
Today, Farhat Hached is remembered as a national hero and a martyr for Tunisian independence. Streets, institutions, and monuments across the country bear his name, ensuring his legacy remains alive in the hearts of Tunisians.
Share Your Thoughts
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