Colonial Legacies in Heritage Conservation in Algeria

Algeria's heritage conservation efforts, particularly for the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Algiers, face significant challenges rooted in colonial legacies. This study reveals that contemporary conservation practices often fail to address these issues effectively, despite the country's rich cultural and historical assets. By analyzing pre-colonial valuation processes—such as Numidian 'mausoleum culture' and waqf traditions—the research argues for a shift toward homegrown conservation approaches inspired by indigenous care practices rather than French colonial models like 'secteurs sauvegardés.' The findings underscore the need to reconnect with Algeria's deep-seated heritage values to develop culturally appropriate conservation strategies.

Belgacem, S. (2025). Colonial Legacies in Heritage Conservation in Algeria. ARTis ON, (15). https://doi.org/10.37935/iha.oan2024.009