La Presse — Time Destroys Buildings, Just Like Wars and Natural Disasters!
If a structure is not constantly maintained or completely rehabilitated, every human‑made construction is destined to disappear. The ruins of ancient civilizations—such as the once‑glorious city of Carthage—testify to this, while some historic edifices have managed to stand for centuries, like the Zitouna Mosque, founded in the 7th century and kept intact thanks to numerous preservation actions.
A Tale of Tunisia’s Ever‑Changing Landscape
Tunisia’s history is packed with comparable examples. Over the centuries, countless civilizations have crossed its lands, confirming the natural cycle of birth‑and‑decay, while a stark duality of hope and nostalgia runs underneath.
Today, the city of Tunis lives this transformation fully:
- New constructions driven by contemporary lifestyles and forward‑looking modernist aspirations.
- Old buildings rooted in the past, cherished by Tunisians, that still echo a “typical life” of artisanal trades, a bygone architectural style, yet paradoxically buzzing with vibrant activity.
These structures demonstrate a determined will to stay standing, despite their relative fragility in the face of climate variability and limited resources.
The UNESCO‑Listed Medina of Tunis
Since 1979, the medina of Tunis has been a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even though many of its buildings are on the brink of collapse, the medina sustains an entire ecosystem from another era, inviting reflection at every alley, monument, souk, and more.
- Formerly enclosed by a thick wall—now only its main gates remain, such as the iconic Bab B’Har, Bab Saâdoun, Bab Jedid, and Bab el‑Khadhra.
- Socio‑economic concentration is exceptional: tightly packed dwellings, souks organized by craft (Sagha, Chaouachia, Grana, Attarine, etc.), and over 700 monuments—palaces, mosques, mausoleums, schools, and the like.
Inside, visitors quickly notice the near‑absence of modern symbols: no cars, no supermarkets. Yet locals still pull out their smartphones to capture moments and document the living memory of the place.
Challenges of Restoration
Construction experts warn that any rehabilitation, renovation, or reconstruction must be meticulously planned, or it risks damaging adjacent structures. Additional hurdles include:
- Access limitations: Large excavators for deep foundations or semi‑trailers for material transport cannot navigate the narrow passages or fragile infrastructure.
Despite these constraints, many buildings have been demolished and rebuilt in the same ancestral architectural style, while respecting their surroundings. Some have even been converted into hotels or restaurants, offering a unique ambience that is both rooted in tradition and open to modernity.
Preserving Artisanal Activities
Artisanal trades persist, even as they face market challenges—declining demand and difficulty accessing “hand‑made” products. Recognizing the stakes, authorities have announced significant rehabilitation and preservation works starting at the end of 2026.
This structural initiative is independent of recent climate disruptions, which have nonetheless exposed the capital’s infrastructural fragility. The program aims to:
- Upgrade public utilities (water, electricity, sanitation).
- Renovate historic buildings while preserving their authenticity.
- Create cultural and economic projects to improve quality of life, boost tourism, and support craftsmanship.
- Engage residents in the planning and execution phases.
A Nationwide Vision
The plan is not limited to the old city of Tunis; it extends across the entire country, targeting vulnerable neighborhoods and structures showing signs of erosion. The overarching goal is to strengthen, modernize, and rehabilitate Tunisia’s built heritage—ensuring that the past remains a living, thriving part of the nation’s future.
