3-070-898 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The French Occupation of Tunis: Kef, Tunis, captured by the French army, 1881. Engraving from a photograph by M. Catalanotti, of Tunis. 'The town of Kef - the old "Sicca Veneris" of the Romans - is, or rather ought to be, an important strong-hold. It is situated on a lofty peak, 2400 ft. in height, and is fortified after a fashion. The Beys of Tunis have always held it to be, with Beja, the only place capable of arresting an invasion from Algeria. Unfortunately, however, for Kef, the neighbouring peak of Ksur-er-Roula towers above it, and it has never been looked after by the Tunisians. The importance of Kef is increased, on account of its being a religious town as well as a fortress. It is inhabited by the religious chiefs of the four great Mussulman sects, who exercise an enormous influence over the neighbouring tribes, and who could raise them in a moment. The French have, therefore, for political as well as strategical reasons, acted wisely in marching straight upon Kef, which is one of the keys of the Khroumirs' land and of Tunis as well. On the 26th April, General Logerot having appeared before the place, summoned the Governor to surrender, and made preparations for an assault, it yielded without any resistance'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.