Habib Bourguiba's return from exile on 1 June 1955 was marked by an unprecedented popular welcome. His horse race between the port of La Goulette and Tunis was a memorable event. The equestrian statue, made in 1978, came to immortalize this triumphant image. By erecting this historic moment into myth, Habib Bourguiba wanted to legitimize the presidency for life.—brahamdali