Beyond the UNESCO intangible/tangible cultural heritage duality: Islamic principles as an intangible heritage – the case of North African medinas

Mustapha Ben-Hamouche; Bahmed Mousselmal

doi:10.14568/cp36721

Authors

Mustapha Ben-Hamouche OVAMUS Laboratory, Institute of Architecture & Urbanism, University of Blida 1, Route de Soumaa, 9000, Blida, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5348-5414
Bahmed Mousselmal Al-Manahidj Institute, Algiers, Algeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp36721

Keywords:

Islamic principles, Muslim cities, Preservation policy, Incremental process, Intangible heritage, Tangible heritage

Abstract

In old Muslim cities, community-based and individual building practices have long shaped the urban environment. These practices express the socio-cultural principles and values that historically guided urban formation and, thus constitute a key component of their intangible heritage. Yet contemporary preservation policies tend to prioritize the protection of physical urban fabrics, a fact that often overshadows the intangible dimensions that gave meaning and coherence to the urban environment. This paper argues that safeguarding the tangible heritage of old cities must thus be accompanied by the recognition and promotion of this intangible logic. It highlights the interactive and causal relationship between these two dimensions of heritage, with a geographic focus on North African cities. The study aims to contribute academically by articulating an Islamic perspective on urban form, and professionally by suggesting ways to refine current preservation policies through a more balanced integration of tangible and intangible values.

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