Husayn I ibn Ali

Son of an officer of Cretan Greek origin stationed at Le Kef, Husayn ibn Ali rose through the cavalry of the Regency of Tunis. In 1705, following the defeat and capture of the Muradids by Algerian forces, he rallyed the troops, defeated the invaders, and was acclaimed sovereign Bey by the notables of Tunis.

He established an independent hereditary dynasty, instituted judicial equity between Turks and indigenous Tunisians, and rebuilt schools, waterways, and mosques across Kairouan and Sousse. Overthrown by his nephew Ali Pasha in 1735, he was executed in Kairouan in 1740.