🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Tunisia reassures on UNESCO cultural heritage submissions, prioritizes Jebba and Mahdia costume
via Business News2 min read
Tunisia's Ministry of Cultural Affairs has clarified that exceeding the March 31 deadline for submitting intangible cultural heritage files to UNESCO does not lead to the exclusion of candidacies. The ministry confirmed that files can be submitted later, provided they meet all technical requirements. This statement was made in a written response to the Assembly of People's Representatives, addressing a question from MP Syrine Mrabet. The ministry is actively working to finalize two emblematic applications: the "Tunisian jebba" and the "Mahdia bride's costume." These are intended for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Through the National Heritage Institute, Tunisia regularly submits files, having successfully inscribed seven national cultural elements on this list to date. Particular priority is being given to the Tunisian jebba file due to its strong symbolic significance and deep roots in national history. The ministry stated that this file will be presented as a purely Tunisian candidacy, without the participation of other countries, to reflect its specificity. The delay in submitting these two files is attributed to several technical and scientific constraints. For the jebba, these include its transversal nature, the diversity of its regional variations, and the multiplicity of elements comprising the traditional costume, such as the chéchia, fermla, sarouel, and balgha. The ministry emphasized that preparing such files
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Ali Bouzouziya, a member of the Assembly of People's Representatives for the constituency of Douar Hicher, has been placed in police custody for 48 hours, with the possibility of renewal. This decision was made by the public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of La Manouba. Media sources indicate that this measure is part of an investigation initiated after a complaint was filed by a relative of the parliamentarian, accusing him of physical assault. The public prosecutor ordered an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and to hear all parties involved. Following initial investigations, the prosecutor decided to place the MP in custody pending further investigation and the conclusions of the inquiry. Bouzouziya previously drew attention in April during a plenary session of the Assembly, where he displayed an image he claimed was Adolf Hitler, which was later identified as a still from the film "Downfall" featuring actor Bruno Ganz. During this session, he delivered a critical speech about the social situation, alleging that current policies deprived vulnerable groups and impoverished families of their rights and denouncing choices he believed led to "impoverishing the people under the guise of fighting corruption." He concluded by stating that "the comparison is obvious," a remark interpreted by some as targeting President Kaïs Saïed.
The Indictment Chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, ordered the issuance of five arrest warrants in a case concerning the management and sale of land belonging to the municipality of Carthage. Among those targeted are former Minister of Culture and former president of the special delegation of Carthage, Ezzeddine Bach Chaouch, and journalist Zied El Heni. The case revolves around a municipal plot of land, with proceedings focusing on suspicions of harm caused to the administration. The specific details of the accusations against the individuals have not been publicly disclosed, and the exact circumstances of the case remain unclear as the investigation continues to establish potential responsibilities. The decision marks a new stage in this judicial procedure involving several former officials linked to the municipality. The issuance of an arrest warrant for 88-year-old Ezzeddine Bach Chaouch has drawn particular attention due to his academic and institutional background. An historian and archaeologist specializing in the history of Roman Africa, he dedicated his career to research, heritage preservation, and managing Tunisian cultural institutions. His work on ancient urban planning and Roman-era municipal institutions is highly regarded. Over the decades, Ezzeddine Bach Chaouch led several major institutions, including the National Institute of Archaeology and Art, the National Library of Tunisia, and the National Translation Center. He also hel
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Tunisia's Ministry of Health announced a new national project aimed at strengthening social inclusion for young people and preventing addictive behaviors. The initiative, presented by Minister of Health Mustapha Ferjani, involves collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Swiss Embassy in Tunisia. The program targets children and young people aged 10 to 25, with a focus on vulnerable groups, to intervene proactively before risky situations become entrenched. Key components include developing life skills and social aptitudes, promoting healthy behaviors, and enhancing integration into family, school, and professional environments. Minister Ferjani emphasized that addiction is a collective issue requiring broad engagement, including training health and education professionals and providing scientific, psychological, and social support tailored to youth needs. The Ministry views prevention as crucial for limiting addiction and its impact on young Tunisians' lives, acknowledging the support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Switzerland in this international partnership to bolster prevention efforts and public policies for youth well-being.