Algerian Journal of Engineering Architecture and Urbanism Vol. 1. Nr. 1 . 2017 Medina of Tunis, ambivalence in its conservation Imen BEN SAID Received: 6 March 2017 • Revised: 15 May2017 • Accepted: 31 May 2017 MEDINA OF TUNIS , AMBIVALENCE IN ITS CONSERVATION Imen BEN SAID Lecturer, researcher, Dr, Arch, Institute of Arts and Crafts of Gafsa, National School of Architecture and Urbanism of Tunis, e-mail:
[email protected] Abstract: The Medina of Tunis is specific by the harmony of its urbanism with traditions, cultures, beliefs and practices. Its conservation has gone through different stages from the colonial period to the present day. This conservation is characterized by ambivalence. We propose to demonstrate this ambivalence by using the historical method based on the literature on the subject to identify the preservation attitude. First, in the colonial period, there was more interest in the antiquities that preceded the Arab conquest. Then, we explore the attitude after independence characterized by political and social disinterest. Then, in the 60s to 80s, we study the expansion of restorations in the Medina and its inscription on the World Heritage List. Then, in the 90s and 2000s, we focus on the limits of the heritage code and the beginning of private sector interest in the Medina. Finally, after the revolution, we present the project of inventory of the built heritage of the Medina and the urban rehabilitations that are not always well integrated by the local population. We are interested to the legislative texts relating to the protection of the Medina, the actors on heritage and the new conservation measures.