Tunisia Cultural Heritage: Government says safeguarding traditions is a national priority

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02:40

Creating museums, safeguarding their collections and developing new methods to promote Tunisia's rich civilizations and history, these are among the top priorities of the Ministry of Culture in the North African state. Tunisian authorities assert that safeguarding the country's heritage is a national priority, especially after the Notre-Dame incident in France. Here is Adnen Chaouachi with the details.

There are over 10,000 archaeological, historical sites and monuments in Tunisia. The National Heritage Institute is in charge of the preservation, protection and restoration of archaeological sites, historical monuments and traditional urban ensembles.

WAJIDA SAKKOUHI, RESEARCHER NATIONAL HERITAGE INSTITUTE "Our role is to Organize and undertake research, search, inventory and exploration in the areas of archaeological, historical and civilization through the different periods. Preventing a catastrophe like the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in France is our responsibility."

The Institute also collects the traditional heritage and folk arts. It undertakes all the research, preservation, protection, restoration and exhibition.

WAJIDA SAKKOUHI, RESEARCHER NATIONAL HERITAGE INSTITUTE "We show the civilizational value of historical documents, science and art; manuscripts which date back to thousands of years and printed materials."

Authorities have launched the International Center for Digital Cultural Economy. The research institute is located at Tunisia's prestigious Culture City. It's objective is to valorize innovative cultural projects and the country's rich heritage.

SALOUA ABDEL KHALAK, DIRECTOR DIGITAL CULTURAL ECONOMY CENTER "Researchers, historians, academics and engineers from different fields are working together to protect and safeguard cultural heritage in 3D. We rely on Tunisian skills and expertise for this ambitious project."

Tunisia's digital heritage project will present the country's most important museums to the world. Virtual tours will be made at the Bardo Museum has the world's largest collection of Mozaics. The initiative will include other museums and historic monuments.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA "History plays an important part in Tunisia's tourism industry. The North African state has managed to preserve a large amount of its renowned historic attractions. Here, at Culture city and in each region, visitors can discover the rich history of Carthage, Rome and many other civilizations. ADNEN CHAOUACHI, CGTN, TUNIS."