Vers l’inscription du patrimoine archéologique de Tébessa sur la liste indicative du patrimoine mondial en Algérie
Summary of the Cultural Heritage Initiatives in Tébessa
The Algerian Ministry of Culture and Arts is actively pursuing a significant initiative to list multiple archaeological sites, including those in Tébessa, on the indicative list of the World Heritage Sites in Algeria. This announcement was made by Mr. Salah Amokrane during a participatory workshop held at the headquarters of the People’s Assembly of the Wilaya (APW) in Tébessa.
Mr. Amokrane, a research and synthesis officer, emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity presented by the updating of Algeria’s indicative list to incorporate new sites, particularly Tébessa’s rich archaeological heritage, as recommended by UNESCO. He noted that the workshop marks a critical step towards integrating Tébessa’s heritage and archaeological monuments into the broader framework of Algeria’s World Heritage aspirations. Tébessa is distinguished by its urban archaeological sites, which require promotion and enhancement.
The Governor of Tébessa, Mr. Ahmed Belhaddad, pointed out that the Wilaya contains 24 archaeological sites and six significant monuments, including the Byzantine wall, the Arch of Caracalla, the Temple of Minerva, the theatre, Saint Crispin Basilica, and the Roman Temple. He mentioned ongoing efforts to secure their listing on the indicative World Heritage list, aiming to safeguard the cultural identity of the Wilaya, which has been shaped by numerous civilizations, including Roman, Byzantine, and Vandal influences. This initiative aims not only to preserve Tébessa’s identity but also to bolster cultural tourism, thereby boosting the local economy by attracting international visitors.
Djamel-Eddine Abadi, the director of culture and arts for the Wilaya, further highlighted that the participatory workshop would result in various recommendations and an action plan to facilitate the listing of these monuments. He indicated that the workshop would be followed by a series of consultative meetings and technical workshops involving all stakeholders and specialists. These efforts aim to strengthen and substantiate the technical dossier to be submitted to the relevant authorities.
The workshop included presentations and discussions on Tébessa’s archaeological heritage, featuring a plan for the protection of heritage by the National Office for the Management and Exploitation of Protected Cultural Goods (OGEBC). The discussions also focused on strategies to develop cultural tourism, emphasizing the critical role of local authorities and residents in preserving the archaeological sites and monuments.
In conclusion, the collective efforts by various stakeholders in Tébessa reflect a dedicated approach to preserving and highlighting the region’s rich cultural and archaeological history while engaging the community and promoting tourism.
