The old harbour of Ghar El Meleh in northern tunisia: An evaluation of its conservation problems and proposals for its revitalization"

Analysis of the potentials of the Ghar El Melh site has enabled us to grasp the historical and architectural importance of the village and its various monuments. These form the basis of its urban structure, giving it a specific identity and anchoring it in time. It's a shame to say that today this heritage is being forgotten and abandoned. A neglect for which there is no justification, since these buildings represent an architectural benchmark of great importance. A reference that we must use for the urban and economic development of this place. In short, we are faced with a typical cultural heritage that has given us a great deal of inspiration. Rich in potential, the building of the Ghar El Melh arsenal, known as the "Mkhazen", the subject of our study, is not yet listed as part of Tunisia's national heritage due to the problem of ownership wich is considered a great misfortune. Due to a lack of maintenance, the barracks building is in a state of continuous deterioration, inside out. This deterioration is damaging both the architectural vocabulary and the structure of the building, requiring the concerned authorities to take immediate action to remedy this lamentable situation. the thesis aims to determine the nature and extent of the interventions required to prepare a conservation project for the Ghar El Melh arsenal, in order to ensure that it remains in good condition for future generations. The study includes a detailed description of the current state of construction of the arsenal, supported by a series of surveys that will subsequently serve as a basis for the restitution and restoration work. The current state of the building is illustrated with photographs, survey drawings and an assessment of materials and damage. In this respect, it is noted that the lack of documentation relating to the study site will be an obstacle to the completion of the restitution work. Various interventions need to be carried out in order to keep the building alive and functional by freeing it from the existing damage and equipping it with a programme of activities that will enhance its value and bring life back to the entire surrounding area. This action should apply not only to the barracks but to the whole former military port. As for this study, only the arsenal's building was examined, given its current alarming condition. However, in a restoration application, it is possible that the arsenal could be repaired on its own.. Decisions to be taken regarding the reuse and restoration of the building should include integrity with its harbour and fortification. Following the analysis, it was revealed that the highest priority intervention was physical consolidation. It is necessary to provide an appropriate function for the protection, survival and continuity of cultural assets. When preparing this programme, attention must be paid to cultural tourism, which serves as a guarantee of promoting the building's assets, that deserve to be known by the general public..The public is called upon to embrace its history in order to rediscover the lost authenticity that is the identity of the site. Key words shipyard, arsenal, cultural heritage, identity, harbour