Patrimoine et monuments en Tunisie 1881-1920

Tunisia's rich cultural heritage, comprising Punic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic monuments—some now UNESCO World Heritage Sites—was systematically documented, preserved, and promoted during the French protectorate (1881–1920). This period marked a pivotal shift in patrimonialization, with the establishment of modern institutions like the Service des antiquités et des arts (1885), precursor to today's National Institute of Heritage. The study reveals how colonial authorities, scientists, and civil society collaborated to classify, restore, and exhibit Tunisia's monuments, exemplified by Dougga and Carthage, while also shaping heritage narratives through museums like the Bardo. Innovative legislation underpinned these efforts, blending scholarly rigor with political imperatives.

Bacha, M. (2013). Patrimoine et monuments en Tunisie 1881-1920. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.irmc.3057