EARTH-SHELTERED DWELLINGS IN SOUTH TUNISIA: TROGLODYTIC CAVES OF SENED JEBEL

The Earth-sheltered Dwelling, such as troglodytic caves of Sened Jebel, represents a specific traditional architecture of South Tunisia, present since Berber period. It consists in the development of underground habitats in the rock of mountainside or hill. Troglodytes represent, generally, places of refuges and protection against enemies. They represent, also, constructions having a purpose of protection against the hardness of the climate and looking to minimize impact on the environment.
Recognizing the role that this precious heritage can play as a lever for sustainable development, a conservation, safeguarding and management project must necessarily be programmed in a socio-economic development strategy for this region. The elaboration of a nomination file seems a priority for the inscription proposal of this heritage in the World Heritage List of UNESCO.