ASSESSMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION IN THE MEDINA OF MAHDIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The paper deals with the architectural conservation of the Medina of Mahdia in Tunisia in the 21st century. This millenary ancient Fatimid capital offers an example of urban heritage that continues to impose rougher debates about the uncertainty and the lack of its conservation, promotion and valorisation nowadays.The research examines multiple dimensions related to actual state of the case study, proceeded conservation projects and different actors’ points of view mainly local population and involved institutions. It aims to find out if the case study is recognised as valuable heritage, and how much did the proceeded projects succeeded in ensuring urban and architectural conservation. By assessing and criticising, experimentations are displayed, faults are revealed and thus more suggestions are announced to mend the degradation and improve future projects that will be initiated on built heritage in the case study or in other Medina of the country.