Manouba's Heritage Urgently Needs Revitalization to Spur Development

In Manouba, Tunisia, a pressing need to revalorize the region's rich heritage has been voiced by experts and activists. A study day organized by the "Manouba for Monuments and Culture" association brought together specialists who passionately advocated for transforming the area's historical treasures into engines of development. The consensus is clear: Manouba is sitting on a historical goldmine that demands rehabilitation and active promotion.

Researchers and academics have unearthed lesser-known aspects of local history, spanning from opulent beylical palaces to the legacy of the Catholic Church and the stories of early Christian martyrs. The scars of World War II in Tebourba and Medjez El Bab also form part of this complex tapestry. The prevailing sentiment is that the current, purely institutional management model is unsustainable. Historian Abdelhamid Larbi emphasized the necessity of revising intervention strategies and called for legislative reform, proposing a model where the state acts as a "godfather" and citizens are active participants.

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Il est impératif de réviser nos stratégies d’intervention

Inspired by international examples, there's a strong call for greater private patronage, corporate social responsibility from banks, and direct involvement from civil society. This collective effort aims to transform public awareness into a powerful force capable of elevating Manouba's sites to UNESCO World Heritage status. The organizing association, founded after the traumatic 2013 fire at the Saïda Manoubia mausoleum, is now focusing on technical expertise to achieve these goals.

Practical solutions are being proposed, including the development of a unique tourist circuit for Manouba, a project long awaited by locals as key to unlocking the region's potential. Activist Sami Chbil stressed the importance of "heritage hygiene," advocating for cleanliness and protection against uncivilized behavior. Regional cultural affairs delegate Najwa Ghorbi affirmed state support through initiatives like the "Route des Andalous" and the upcoming "Marathon des Palais," aiming to bring heritage out of history books and into the public consciousness, especially for younger generations.

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hygiène patrimoniale