Save carthage: post-conflict reconstruction in postcolonial Tunisia

Abstract

This chapter explores the development politics which shaped the UNESCO-led “Save Carthage” campaign (1972–1992). Post-independence Tunisia, while asserting its political sovereignty, maintained strong ties with French pedagogy and Western archaeological paradigms, shaping interactions between local communities, businesses, and foreign missions. Against this backdrop, “Save Carthage” emerges as a focal point for negotiations around capacity-building and cultural influence, epitomizing the nuanced dynamics of post-conflict and postcolonial reconstruction. The campaign, orchestrated by Western entities but wrested under Tunisian control, symbolized a reclamation of agency over national heritage. Central to this narrative is the establishment of the Centre for Studies and Archaeological Documentation of Carthage (CEDAC) in 1977, representing Tunisia's efforts towards autonomy in heritage management. The focus of this research is on dissecting the political dynamics surrounding such development initiatives. By contextualizing the campaign within Tunisia’s post-independence trajectory and UNESCO’s global heritage framework, it explores the complexities of reconstructing and cultivating heritage management practice. Collaboration with international partners enabled Tunisian agencies to navigate self-led regional development and self-determination in cultural and scientific domains. This exploration uncovers the role of politics and power dynamics in shaping capacity-building projects and offers insights into effective practices for similar campaigns of post-conflict reconstruction.