Tunis:The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced the inscription of two significant monuments in the Medina of Tunis, the Dar Hussein palace and the Tourbet of the Husseinite Beys, on the Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse – English, this dual inscription was formalized during the 11th session of the Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries, under the auspices of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO). The session was held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo from October 25-27.

The Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, features approximately 700 historical monuments, including mosques, madrasas, funduqs, palaces, and aristocratic residences, making it a major heritage ensemble in the Arab-Muslim world. The Dar Hussein palace, currently housing the National Heritage Institute (INP), was originally built by Minister Ismail Kahia and expanded in the 19th century. It has served various roles, including as the headquarters of Tunis's first municipality and the French troops' general staff.

The Tourbet of the Husseinite Beys, located on a street leading to the Great Mosque, is the largest princely mausoleum of the Husseinite dynasty. Its construction was initiated during the reign of Ali Pasha II and is part of a larger urban and religious complex.

The purpose of inscribing these monuments is to enhance their preservation through documentation, restoration programs, and the sharing of scientific expertise, coordinated by ALECSO at a regional level. The evaluation session reviewed around sixty national dossiers, as specified by the ALECSO website.