Reference

Understanding Tunisian honours

Tunisia’s system of orders and decorations, conferred by the President of the Republic. These honours may also recognise foreign friends of Tunisia.

Order of the Republic

The highest honour of the Tunisian state (1959), conferred by the President of the Republic on Tunisians and foreigners who have served the Republic and its institutions.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon
  2. 1st Class
  3. 2nd Class
  4. 3rd Class
  5. 4th Class

Order of Independence

Instituted in 1956 by Habib Bourguiba to reward services rendered to the nation and to Tunisia’s independence.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon
  2. Grand Officer
  3. Commander
  4. Officer
  5. Knight

National Order of Merit

Created in 1998 to unify the merit distinctions, it rewards distinguished services rendered to the state across every field.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon
  2. 1st Class
  3. 2nd Class
  4. 3rd Class
  5. 4th Class

Order of Glory (Nishan al-Iftikhar)

A historic Beylical-era order, created in 1835 by the Bey of Tunis and awarded until 1957. It honoured Tunisian subjects, foreign dignitaries and figures connected to Tunisia.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon
  2. Grand Officer
  3. Commander
  4. Officer
  5. Knight, 1st class
  6. Knight, 2nd class

Merit across every field

Beyond the National Order of Merit, Tunisia recognises merit in specific fields — cultural, educational, sporting and scientific — through dedicated orders and decorations.

Honouring the friends of Tunisia

Just as Japan honours Tunisians who work for the friendship between the two countries, the Order of the Republic and the Order of Independence may be conferred on foreign figures — including Japanese nationals — who have served Tunisia and its international relations.

Wikipedia article ↗← Back to awards

Source: Wikipedia (orders of the Tunisian Republic).