Cultural revitalization and tourist conversion of historical monuments: The cases of the ancient medinas of Fez and Tunis


World Heritage Site: Medina of Tunis

Publication Year: 2025

Publication Type: Conference paper

Publication Identifier: WHE4207CF8C45

Summary

A strategic approach to cultural revitalization and economic development is successfully applied in the UNESCO-listed medinas of Fez and Tunis, demonstrating that repurposing vacant historical buildings preserves architectural integrity while injecting contemporary functions into heritage sites. This method avoids the pitfalls of constructing new structures, instead breathing life into underused spaces such as mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, and traditional houses—key components of these medinas' cultural and artisanal appeal. The study highlights significant investments in heritage rehabilitation, proving that such initiatives can sustainably develop historic centers while maintaining their authenticity.

Citation

BOUKIL, M. (2025). Cultural revitalization and tourist conversion of historical monuments: The cases of the ancient medinas of Fez and Tunis. Vernacular Architecture, 47, 165–171. https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903391-19

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