Dr. Hassine Bouhageb

Son of Zitouna reformer Sheikh Salem Bouhageb, Hassine Bouhageb studied at Sadiki College and completed his medical doctorate at the University of Paris with a thesis on pediatric nutrition. Returning to Tunis in 1901, he became the first native Tunisian appointed head of a major modern clinical hospital department.

For forty years at Sadiki Hospital, he led campaigns against tuberculosis and infant mortality. A fervent believer in physical education, he introduced gymnastics, cycling, and football to Tunisian youth, founding the first Muslim sports societies and promoting public hygiene through Arabic brochures.