Tunisia may soon see one of its cultural gems achieve international recognition.
Sidi Bou Saïd on the Road to UNESCO: A Tunisian Heritage Seeking Global Recognition
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Amel Srarfi, officially signed the candidacy file for Sidi Bou Saïd to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Titled "Sidi Bou Saïd Village: A Hub of Cultural and Spiritual Inspiration in the Mediterranean," this file will be submitted to UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, where it will be reviewed and evaluated over a period of 18 months.
This validation process will focus on several criteria, including the architectural and artistic authenticity of the village, as well as its role in social and cultural exchanges in the Mediterranean. The official announcement of the results is expected in the second half of 2026.
If this candidacy is successful, it will mark a pivotal moment in the recognition of Tunisia's rich heritage and further solidify Sidi Bou Saïd's position as a must-visit cultural destination. Such a distinction could also boost cultural tourism and enhance Tunisia's visibility on the international stage.
