Inscription of Sidi Bou Said on UNESCO World Heritage List under considerationVictory of Adwa Reminds Ethiopians Rallying Together To Defend their Sovereignty

The possibility of inscribing the village of Sidi Bou Said, universally renowned for its heritage, history and architecture, on the UNESCO World Heritage List was the focus of a working session chaired on Friday by Cultural Affairs Minister Hayet Guettat Guermazi, in the presence of Head of the Cultural Programme at the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Maghreb Karim Hendili. During the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the various stakeholders - the Ministries of Agriculture, the Environment and Public Works - as well as the Governorate and Municipality of Tunis, the minister underlined the need to join forces and embrace this collective national duty with a view to preserving this village, where the hill has been exposed for years to the risks of erosion and landslides that could affect neighbouring areas, notably the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace, home to the Centre of Arab and Mediterranean Music (CMAM). Sidi Bou Said boasts all the assets required to be preserved and developed from every point of view, which is why it is so important to prepare a technical file for submission to UNESCO as soon as possible, she added. Founded by the Phoenicians, Carthage-Sidi Bou Said is an extensive archaeological site located on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Tunis and the surrounding plain. Sidi Bou Said is part of the site of Carthage, classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. However, UNESCO's instructions have been overridden by the urban development that has taken place from Sidi Bou Saïd to La Malga and Salammbô. Sidi Bou Said is a major tourist attraction, one of the most visited sites in the Mediterranean, welcoming up to 100,000 visitors a day at weekends and during the summer months. The economic activity of Sidi Bou Said is mainly based on tourism, with artisans earning their living from small trades. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse The Victory of Adwa reminds us of a time when Ethiopians, setting aside their differences, marched together in unison to defend the sovereignty of our beloved nation,' Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie said. 'We solemnly commemorate the 128th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, honoring the courage and unity it represents in our nation's history,' the mayor posted on X, formerly twitter. The mayor added that today marks the 128th anniversary of the historic Victory of Adwa, a day that stands as a testament to the unity, resilience, and heroism of our nation. This year, we are commemorating this momentous occasion in a manner befitting its significance, the mayor said. 'We gather at the Adwa Victory Memorial, a place that embodies the grandeur and the spirit of our forebears' triumph against colonial aggression.' Adanech recalled that the Victory of Adwa reminds us of the time when Ethiopians, setting aside their differences, marched together in unison to defend the sovereignty of our beloved nation. 'Our ancestors made immense sacrifices, united by a common goal and a shared belief in the sanctity of our land and the dignity of our people,' she added. The major elaborated this victory is etched in history with indelible ink, symbolizing unity, respect, heroism, and resilience she said, adding it is a victory that belongs to all Ethiopians, a shared heritage that we proudly celebrate together. 'As we commemorate this victory, we are also reminded of the promise it holds for our generation and the generations to come,' she underlined. The Victory of Adwa also demonstrates the unity and commitment to uphold the values of freedom and sovereignty that our forefathers fought for. Finally, each one of us needs to continue working towards a united, strong, and prosperous Ethiopia, she said. Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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