Ghar El Melh Fort, a Tunisian Historical Gem, Added to the Final List of Islamic World Heritage
The Ghar El Melh Fort, a historical treasure in Tunisia, has been officially inscribed on the final list of Islamic world heritage. This decision was made during the 13th meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Commission, held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, under the auspices of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).
International Recognition and Protection
This inscription provides international protection to the fortifications, which consist of three 17th-century towers (Al-Loutani, Al-Wastani, and Lazaret), while strengthening restoration and maintenance efforts according to global standards. It also offers global visibility, placing Ghar El Melh on the map of international cultural and spiritual tourism, and constitutes a major national achievement in preserving Tunisian identity.
A Unique Blend of Architectural Styles
The three forts symbolize a unique fusion of Andalusian engineering and Ottoman expertise, built around 1650. International recognition highlights their architectural and historical value, transforming Ghar El Melh into an open-air museum, combining built heritage and a unique traditional Ramli system.
Other Heritage Sites Recognized
During this session, the Heritage Commission also inscribed 117 new historical sites and cultural elements from 16 countries and issued recommendations to support the inscription of the village of Sidi Bou Saïd on the UNESCO World Heritage list, after its inclusion on the ISESCO final list in 2022.
