Ras Jebel: A City Steeped in History and Tradition
Ras Jebel, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Cape of Bizerte in northern Tunisia, unfolds its medina like an open book on the city's history. Its narrow streets are lined with traditional houses exuding an air of authenticity and Andalusian mosques whitewashed with lime. Here, daily life unfolds to the rhythm of the hurried footsteps of residents, the calls of merchants, and the metallic tinkling of artisans, who resist change and preserve their artisanal know-how.
The Medina: The Heart of Ras Jebel
The medina of Ras Jebel is not just an old urban space; it is the living soul of the city. Its origins date back several centuries, when the city developed around an ancient core, shaped by cultural influences from the Mediterranean, combining Arab-Muslim heritage and maritime openness. Each alleyway in this place of memory tells a fragment of history: that of lively markets, popular festivals, and family gatherings that have punctuated the lives of Ras Jebel's inhabitants.
Preservation and Revitalization Efforts
However, behind the charm of the old stones, the question of preservation and revitalization arises today.
Regeneration Project for the Old Center
Aware of the challenges, the municipality of Ras Jebel is working on a project to regenerate and enhance its old urban center, launched in February 2024 and currently in the study phase. With a budget of approximately 5.8 million dinars, this program is part of the national framework for regenerating old centers (PRCA), with the support of the state, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), according to Ibtissem Rezgui, secretary general in charge of managing the commune. The objective is twofold, she explains: to preserve the centuries-old identity of the medina while improving the quality of life for its inhabitants. Concretely, according to her, the project plans to upgrade basic infrastructure (drinking water, sanitation, burial of networks, roads) and restore the built heritage.
Cultural and Artisanal Aspects
For the cultural and artisanal aspects, the secretary general emphasized that the municipality has decided to allocate an envelope of 1.1 million dinars for the renovation and redevelopment of the center, formerly known as "Dar El Bey", which will host the city's cultural and artisanal exhibitions.
Urban Projects for the Entire City
Ras Jebel is also counting on other large-scale projects that concern the entire city, adds Sondes Fnaiech, head of the common goods and disputes service. She has, in this sense, affirmed that the municipal services have begun work on installing 1000 LED lighting points, with 30% of the cost covered by the National Agency for Energy Management, to improve public lighting and nighttime security, while promoting energy efficiency. Moreover, a project carried out in partnership with the commune of Colombes in France plans to plant 500 bigaradiers in all neighborhoods of Ras Jebel. This initiative aims to beautify the city while strengthening its vegetation cover, contributing to environmental protection and the well-being of its inhabitants.
Recognition and Reinvention
Thanks to the efforts of the municipal services in collaboration with civil society, Ras Jebel was one of the five Tunisian cities rewarded for the quality of its environment in 2025, alongside Aïn Jaloula, Saned, Bir Lahmer, and Lamta. Through these initiatives — urban modernization, heritage regeneration, and environmental recognition — Ras Jebel reinvents itself, confirming that tradition, modernity, and quality of life can coexist harmoniously throughout the city.
