Unlocking the Rich History of Manouba: Experts Call for a New Era of Development

On a day of study organized by the association "Manouba for Monuments and Culture," experts and activists launched a passionate plea to bring the region's treasures out of the shadows and transform them into drivers of development.

A Prestigious Past Seeking a Future

Gathered at the Regional Library of Manouba, researchers and academics uncovered hidden chapters of local history. From majestic beylical palaces to the legacy of the Catholic Church, through the stories of the first Christian martyrs and the scars of World War II in Tebourba and Medjez El Bab, the consensus is clear: Manouba is sitting on a goldmine of historical treasures waiting to be rehabilitated.

For the speakers, it's no longer just about "preserving" these monuments, but about revitalizing them. The goal is to turn historical sites into "living reservoirs" that nourish a sense of belonging while becoming a driving force for regional economic development.

Historian Abdelhamid Larbi was unequivocal in his assessment. According to him, the current management model, which relies solely on institutional efforts, is exhausted. "It's imperative to revise our intervention strategies," he emphasized, calling for a legislative revolution. His creed: a state that acts as a "sponsor" and a citizen who is an "actor."

Drawing inspiration from Greek and American models, he advocates for a massive opening up to private patronage, social responsibility from banks, and direct involvement from civil society to transform collective consciousness into a force that can push Manouba's sites to UNESCO status.

From Stone to Employment: Concrete Solutions

Far from empty rhetoric, the organizing association, led by Lassaad Dandani, is taking action. Born out of the trauma of the 2013 fire at the Saïda Manoubia mausoleum, the organization is now leveraging its technical expertise.

A Breakthrough Tourist Circuit

Activist Sami Chbil reminded everyone that restoration begins with cleanliness. He called for "patrimonial hygiene" to protect the palaces from incivility. The biggest challenge remains the creation of the long-awaited Manouba tourist circuit, a project that has been struggling to take off but is seen by locals as the key to unlocking the region.

Culture in Motion

In response to these demands, Najwa Ghorbi, regional delegate for Cultural Affairs, reaffirmed the state's support through federative projects. Between the "Route of the Andalusians" and the upcoming "Palace Marathon" scheduled for June, the strategy is clear: to take the heritage out of history books and bring it into the streets, engraving it into the memories of future generations.