This mosque was built by Yusuf Sahib al-Taba’a, originally a captive of Moldavian descent. A favourite and then minister of Hammuda Pasha Bey of Tunis (1782–1814), he also served as Lord Chancellor and superintendent of taxes. In fact, he was the second most important political figure in the Tunis Regency after the bey himself.

Mamluk slaves often assumed great importance in the societies of their new homelands. The Dar Hassine was named after its builder, a Mamluk of Circassian descent. A close companion of General Khayr al-Din, the reformer of modern Tunisia, he also served as the first president of the municipality of Tunis (1858–65).

Khayr al-Din Pasha was a Mamluk of Circassian descent, raised at the court of Ahmad Pasha Bey (1837–55). He later assumed the powerful role of Great Vizier of the Regency of Tunis (1873–77), initiating many crucial policies aimed at reforming the state structure, education and the national economy.

The end of the Mamluk system came about in the mid-19th century, partly due to the abolition of slavery. In Egypt, the local Mamluk power structure and its last representatives were eradicated by Muhammad ‘Ali Pasha (1805–48) with the objective of consolidating his absolute power over the country.

This romanticised European image of a Mamluk resting by the side of his horse belies the martial life and responsibilities of these elite military slaves. Seasoned horsemen and warriors, Mamluks could rise through the ranks to become powerful statesmen and even rulers.

Khayr al-Din, a Mamluk of Circassian descent, raised at the court of Ahmad Pasha Bey (1837–55). Grand Vizier of the Regency of Tunis (1873–77), his policy for state reform, the modernisation of education and the stabilising of the economy all marked the history of the Regency.