Tunisia protects ancient treasures

As Tunisia recovers from revolutionary upheaval, officials hope the country's ancient artifacts can be a springboard to attract visitors and renew youths' interest in their history.

By Mohamed El Hedef for Magharebia in Sfax – 27/05/11

Tunisian officials are launching renewed efforts aimed at preserving the country's ancient treasures while at the same time educating the next generation on the nation's rich history.

As part of those efforts, the culture ministry chose International Museum Day (May 18th) to celebrate Tunisia's antiquities. Two events were held simultaneously in Sfax and at the Bardo Museum in Tunis.

The choice of Sfax for the launch of the celebration reflected a real will to give back to the region its place in the memory of Tunisia and its role in the cultural system, Interim Culture Minister Azzedine Bach Chaouch said. The minister also announced the foundation of a museum of traditions and folklore and another for maritime heritage in the southern city.

Meanwhile in Tunis, Education Minister Taieb Baccouch joined other officials to mark the occasion, including international experts from the International Council of Museums and Mohamed El Aziz Achour, Director-General of the Arab League Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ALESCO). The Bardo Museum event showcased extensive renovation works that were launched in 2009.

The occasion also served to highlight the recovery of stolen archaeological artifacts. The culture minister said that, since February, over three quarters of the stolen pieces were recovered, including some that were smuggled outside the country.

It is hard to imagine how much was robbed from the national Tunisian heritage, Bach Chaocuh said. He alleged that the thieves would have not gone as far as they did without the help of officials from the former regime. He claimed they made available vehicles for transporting the archaeological pieces and unique statues to the villas and ostentatious palaces of the ousted president's family-in-law. The minister said vehicles were used as cover to get through checkpoints.

In early February, Bach Chaouch formed a specialized committee within the culture ministry to investigate stolen historic items. He explained that he had previous experience in tracking down lost artifacts while working with UNESCO where he successfully retrieved Cambodian treasures with help from Interpol. He added that he intends to ask Interpol to help Tunisia retrieve its antiquities.

Several former officials are currently being investigated for complicity in smuggling historic pieces. For instance, the investigating judge in the court of first instance began questioning Beji Ben Memmi, the former mayor of Tunis and former director of the National Institute of Archaeology. He was later released but his personal driver was arrested on May 21st, accused of providing assistance in transporting artifacts to houses owned by the Trabelsis and Materis, both in-laws of the ousted president. Some of the pieces were allegedly used as columns, kitchen tables and as the balustrade of a swimming pool.

An official at the National Institute of Archaeology admitted that the Bardo Museum's collection was missing 87 pieces that were stolen from its warehouse in 2009.

The visit by the education minister underlined the joint efforts with the culture ministry to spread knowledge about Tunisian's rich history in educational institutions. Officials hope to trigger new interest in students about their national identity. Baccouch reiterated to Magharebia the intent of his ministry to include heritage in education curricula beginning with preschool.

The next generation of Tunisians must become the protector of their heritage, Ali Marzouki said. He suggested that educational institutions adopt programs for school trips and excursions to museums and archaeological sites to bring the children and youths closer to their history and heritage. Marzouki also brought attention to the importance of the role of citizens in reporting to any kind of looting or robbery.

Source: Magharebia.
Link: http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2011/05/27/feature-04.