Comrade Hicham: "But one year later, you still have to visit Sidi Bouzid to pay homage to this impoverished fruitseller who lit the torch of revolt across the Arab world.
Except for the town's newly unveiled monument – a giant statue depicting his vegetable cart mysteriously turning over chairs (seats of power) surrounding it, no other major commemorative work has been reportedly erected from Morocco to Iraq.
Sidi Bouzid itself seems unable still to reap the anticipated socio-economic benefits of the revolution sparked by its martyred son. As a symbolic solace, Bouazizi's mother, tirelessly recounting the tragic story of her son and his sacrifice, has become a media fixture displayed for symbolic effect when the occasion presents itself.
The absence of physical monuments celebrating Bouazizi may be interpreted in many ways. It may be that the revolts have yet to settle and it is too early for commemoration on a wide scale. It may be a sign of adhering to the Islamic code of representation amid the reinforcement of an Islamist ethic that is on the rise. It may be a befitting legacy of the man associated with iconoclastic revolts bent on destroying the personality and family cults that came to dominate tyrannical regimes across the region.
During his inauguration speech a few days prior to the anniversary, Tunisia's president-elect Moncef Marzouki made no reference to Bouazizi, but spoke of a revolution without an icon (sanam)."
During his inauguration speech a few days prior to the anniversary, Tunisia's president-elect Moncef Marzouki made no reference to Bouazizi, but spoke of a revolution without an icon (sanam)."
