By: Naima Benkari, PhD Ass. Prof./Chair: Dept. Architectural Engineering, AlHosn University UAE

1. The administration and policy of classification of the built and natural heritage in North-Africa: Case of Algeria since its independence By: Naima Benkari, PhD Ass. Prof./Chair: Dept. Architectural Engineering, AlHosn University UAE

2. A retrospective on the Algerian policy in the field of heritage preservation between 1962 and 1998 • We will analyze the process of classification of monuments and historic/natural sites to define some broad aspects of the Algerian policy with regard to the built heritage during this period

3. Three Main Issues: • 1- How has evolved the classification of monuments and historic sites in independent Algeria? • 2- Which areas have been the most privileged in the heritage policy in Algeria (Antiques, Medieval, Modern, contemporary or natural sites)? • 3- What were the most concerned cities and regions by these classifications?

4. To answer these questions and achieve those aims: • 1- Introduce the legal matters and regulations which had been used by the Algerian State to manage the tremendous heritage of the country • 2- Discuss the various institutions and the tools developed for the implementation of these laws and monitoring their implementation on the ground. • 3- A comparative study and statistical analysis of classified sites and monuments in Algeria • 4- A comparison of our findings to the monuments and sites classifications carried out under the French occupation will help to better understand the evolution of the heritage policy after the independence of Algeria, and see what were its major challenges over the past 30 years.

5. I-A- The legal framework regulating the classification process in Algeria between 1962 and 1998 • 1- Law 62-157 of 12-31st -1962 • 2- The Ordinance 67-281, of 12-20th 1967 relating to the excavation and protection of monuments and natural/historical sites • 3- Ordinance 69 82, 06-13th 1969 • The regional commission for Artworks and historical documents of Algiers, Oran, Constantine and Annaba Laghouat • The Inter ministerial decree of 12-3rd 1979 the inter-ministerial commission to purchase objects and Artwork

6. I-A- The legal framework regulating the classification process in Algeria between 1962 and 1998 • 4- The decree 05-17th -1980 relating to the authorization of archaeological researches • 5- The decree 81-382 of 12-26th -1981 • 6- Executive Decree 90-78, of 27-02 1990

7. I-B- Concerning the institutions • National Parks • Decree 70-168 of 27-07-1972 gave birth to "Tassili National Park" and the public institution in charge of its management • The creation of "Parck of Al Haggar" in 1988 • The park of the Saharian Atlas had been created lately • The National Agency of Archaeology and protection of historic sites and monuments • A public administration, financially autonomous. • Its tasks are: • To inventory the monuments and sites to maintain or preserve, • Develop and carry out studies of conservation or preservation, • Highlight preserved monuments and sites, and present them to the public.

8. I-B- Concerning the institutions • The restoration of cultural heritage company (1988) • The national board of culture under the supervision of the government’s head • - By executive decree 90-250 of 08-18th-1990 • - The board's main role is to inform and advise the Government’s head on issues related to cultural heritage • The committee of Architecture, Planning and built Environment at the level of the Wilaya • By Executive Ordinance No. 95-370 of 11-15th -1995, • This body has only anadvisory role with the Wali (Governor).

9. II- Comparative analysis of the classification dynamics in Algeria • 1- Evolution • 2- The classification by sector • 3- The dynamic of classification of monuments and sites in the different regions

10. II- Comparative analysis of the classification dynamics in Algeria • 1- Evolution • There had been only 83 sites and monuments classified throughout Algeria between 1962 and 1998 • = a little less than 25% of the number of monuments and sites classified since the beginning of this process in the country (around 1887) •  Much lower than the record in Algeria during the last thirty years of the French occupation (134 sites classified)

11. II- Comparative analysis of the classification dynamics in Algeria • 1- Evolution • These data show a considerable slowing down of the dynamics of classification in Algeria since its independence • More over, since 1996, the number of classified sites each year is less than what was recorded immediately after the independence.

12. II- Comparative analysis of the classification dynamics in Algeria • 2- The classification by sector • In Independent Algeria, 72% of the classified sites are divided between the periods of Antiquity, medieval and modern. • Antiquities = 30% • Medieval = 22% • Modern 20% • Prehistory = 13% • Natural = 8% • Contemporary = 7%

13. II- Comparative analysis of the classification dynamics in Algeria 2- The classification by sector Almost all the classified monuments in this sector are related to the Algerian revolution and its liberation war (1954-62) or with the life and work of the Emire Abdelkader (1808-1883). The Heritage of the contemporary era continues to be ignored and remains anonymous Figure 1-a: The classification trends in Algeria between 1962 and 1998, according to the sector Figure 1-b: The classification trends in Algeria between 1926 and 1962, according to the sector

14. II- Dynamic of monuments and sites’ classification A mismatch between the distribution of historic sites and monuments in the territory and the rate of classifications in the various regions of the country is the main observation to express - Territories with a really rich heritage such as the wilaya(s) of Batna or Tizi-Ouzou haven’t been concerned by any classification since the independence - A certain centralization is clearly observable in the classification trends in Algeria. This is not only reserved to "after the independence", but it was also notable under the French occupation

15. II- Dynamic of monuments and sites’ classification • Since the independence, and even before, the wilaya of Algiers has got the largest number of classified sites and monuments (15% of the total number of classifications). • The administrative region of Algiers (Map) has always been a reflection of the classification dynamic during the colonial era and after the independence as well - The wilaya of Tipaza (12%). - Then, Tébessa, Guelma and Ghardaia - While many other regions have received only limited interest

16. II- Dynamic of monuments and sites’ classification • The wilaya of Constantine for example, the cirta of Massinissa, the city of bridges, a high place of culture in Algeria and North Africa, contains only 3% of the classified sites and monuments in the country since 1887 • There hadn't been a single classified site since 1962

17. II- Dynamic of monuments and sites’ classification • The imbalanced rate of classification dynamic between the Northern and Southern regions = another major character that needs to be addressed • 73% of classified sites in Algeria are concentrated in the 1/6th Northern Territory • Since the beginning of the classification of sites and historical monuments in Algeria (1887), the southern region hosts only 1/6 classified sites. • This imbalance has its roots embedded in the very origins of Operations of classification under the French occupation • This is certainly deplorable despite a slight reduction of this gap since the independence

18. Conclusion According to the comparative analysis and statistical study of the classification trends in Algeria between 1962 and 1998, the main features of the Algerian heritage policy are as follows: • 1- The classification process of monuments and natural and historic sites has slowed down considerably since independence • 2- A willingness to balance the classification rate in the various sectors of heritage is clearly remarkable • 3- The rate of classification of natural sites, largely invested under the French heritage management in Algeria, has dramatically decline after the independence • 4- The contemporary style did not have the interest it deserves • 5- The centralization in the process of sites and monuments classification. • 6- The same idea can be expressed about the imbalance between classification in the North and the South • 7- The protection of the heritage along the Algerian coast is still not sufficiently regulated. 1300 km of coast are not protected in a consistent manner and lack of legal tools to intervene in the construction of ports and other controlled transition points

19. Thank you For your Attention