The Punic Port: A Historical Treasure in Tunisia
The Punic Port, located in the Bordj Er-Rass area on the Mahdia peninsula, is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Tunisia. It bears witness to the antiquity of the Punic civilization and its significance in the history of the Mediterranean.
The Punic Port still retains some of its original architectural elements, such as parts of the wall that surrounded it and the remains of the basins where ships docked, testifying to the grandeur of this historical site.
A Call for Help
The Punic Port was attacked and destroyed by the Spanish in 1555 AD. Although some of its ruins still testify to its splendor, it continues to suffer from marginalization and neglect. Parts of it have even been converted into a cemetery.
Moufida Jnen, a representative of the Mahdia Archaeological Museum, stated to the agency (TAP) that despite the restoration, maintenance, and dredging work the port underwent in 2022, it is still the target of a series of attacks, such as the construction of new tombs in the maritime cemetery dating back to the Punic era, which she considers a violation of the archaeological monument's integrity.
Despite its historical importance, it has not been classified as a national heritage site, raising questions about the underlying reasons for this situation.
The Punic Port of Tunisia is a historical and cultural treasure. Its inclusion on the national heritage list would contribute to its preservation for future generations, attract more tourists, and make the ancient history of Tunisian cities known to the world.
Jnen called for the need for a concerted effort from all concerned parties - local, regional, and central authorities - to ensure the maintenance of this important archaeological site.
She emphasized that taking care of and protecting this historical monument from attacks is a crucial step for it to obtain this classification as a national heritage site, and perhaps even as a world heritage site.
A Historical Controversy Surrounding the Construction of the Port
Hassan Braham, a professor of history, raised the question of the historical controversy surrounding the construction of the Punic Port during an interview with the agency (TAP). While some estimate that the port dates back to the Punic period, other opinions refer to the Fatimid era.
He indicated that research is underway to shed light on the historical truth: does the port date back to the Punics or the Fatimids?
He specified that the arguments supporting the theory of a Punic origin of the port reside in the technique of carving into stone during the creation of ports, an artistic technique that dates back to the Punic era, in addition to archaeological discoveries, such as Punic pottery found on the site.
Historians who support the theory that the port was built during the Fatimid era rely on several factors, including the architectural design of the port and the presence of the wall that surrounded it. The port was both commercial and military, which highlights the influence of the Fatimids in the Mediterranean at that time.
