Cite this article
Triqui, M., Mazouz, F. (2024) ‘Urban expansion and heritage threats: Preservation of Mansourah archaelogical site in Tlemcen, Algeria’, Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU, 29(4), pp. 31-42. https://www.doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2024-0021
SUMMARY
The archaeological site of Mansourah, located southwest of Tlemcen in Algeria, is a significant historical and architectural heritage landmark dating back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Originally constructed as a military camp during the siege of Tlemcen by the Merinid dynasty coming from Fez, Mansourah evolved into a fortified city housing religious, military, and economic structures, notably the Mansourah Mosque and its minaret. This site stands as a unique example of medieval Islamic military architecture in North Africa. Although designated as a national heritage site in 1967, Mansourah now faces increasing threats from Tlemcen’s rapid, unregulated urban expansion, particularly through the proliferation of informal housing encroaching upon its surroundings.
This research examines the impact of urban sprawl on the preservation of the Mansourah site by employing a mixed-methods approach – combining historical, architectural, and urban analyses with field surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023. Satellite images from 2003, 2013, and 2023 reveal a steady increase in urban density surrounding Mansourah, especially to the north and east of the site. In these areas, informal construction compromises both the visibility and integrity of Mansourah. Such developments, while violating protection regulations that establish a 200-meter buffer zone around the site, continue to spread despite restrictions.
Interviews with residents living in informal settlements near Mansourah reveal a range of perspectives on the site’s importance. Some residents express an appreciation for Mansourah’s historical and cultural value, seeing it as an asset to the community. Others, however, view conservation policies as restrictive, particularly given the pressing demand for housing and the economic hardships many face. This contrast reflects a broader social and economic issue in Tlemcen, where insufficient urban planning has led to a proliferation of unregulated housing with minimal enforcement of heritage protection laws.
The study also explores the legislative evolution of heritage protection in Algeria, emphasising the 1967 ordinance and the 1998 law that established the protection zone around Mansourah. Despite this legal framework, significant gaps remain in enforcing these regulations, due to either lack of resources or inadequate coordination among local authorities to effectively control unauthorised development. The persistence of informal housing not only detracts from the cultural and historical value of the site but also diminishes its tourism potential, impacting the local economy.
Given these challenges, the article calls for tailored preservation and management measures to protect the Mansourah site. The proposed strategies include developing clear urban planning guidelines that integrate heritage conservation with current development needs, strengthening regulatory oversight of new constructions within the protected zone, and launching public awareness campaigns to foster greater appreciation of Mansourah’s historical significance. Additionally, the study advocates for a participatory approach that involves residents in heritage management, addressing their socioeconomic challenges while promoting the collective preservation of the site.
The research delves into the complex urban and legal challenges surrounding the site, particularly the inadequacies in current protection measures. Despite a regulatory framework —anchored by the Urban Development Plan (PDAU) and the Mansourah Protection and Enhancement Plan (PPMVSA) — there is a lack of coordinated enforcement among local authorities. This gap allows informal housing to expand in protected zones, often obstructing the site’s visibility and compromising its cultural significance. The situation underscores a critical need for clearer urban guidelines and a conservation master plan tailored to Mansourah’s specific context. By fostering collaboration across municipal and cultural agencies, a sustainable preservation strategy could balance Tlemcen’s growth with Mansourah’s historical integrity, aiming to transform the site into a cultural and environmental hub within the city’s urban landscape.
In conclusion, the research emphasises the urgent need for coordinated efforts between heritage conservators, urban planners, and local authorities to shield Mansourah from the pressures of urban sprawl. It advocates for a sustainable urban framework that harmonises the preservation of this invaluable archaeological site with Tlemcen’s development goals, ensuring that Mansourah remains a vital and respected part of the city’s historical landscape.