On the occasion of the UNESCO prize ceremony, organized within the framework of the project “Support for the Role of Culture in Sustainable Development in Tunisia,” seven exceptional artisans working in traditional specialties threatened with disappearance have been honored, in recognition of their contribution to the preservation of this national heritage and to the transmission of their knowledge and know-how to future generations. They are:
- Ms Fatma Essamet, in the specialty of Kerkennah embroidery.
- Mr Monir Sekkal, in the specialty of Guellala pottery, known as “El Jaffa.”
- Mr Mohamed Slim Hassani, in the specialty of saddle making and related articles.
- Mr Chokri Ben Ali, in the specialty of sculpture and plaster engraving, known as “Nakcha Hdida.”
- Mr Issam Sghir, in the specialty of lustre decoration and gilding.
- Mr Lassâad Chelladi, in the specialty of manufacturing fine reed products, notably mats.
- Mr Hassene Eddine Jebis, in the specialty of the traditional Testour tile.
In his remarks, Sofiane Tekaya, Minister of Tourism, stressed that the project “Support for the Role of Culture in Sustainable Development in Tunisia” is part of an integrated national strategy, based on valorization of the heritage, its transformation into a sustainable economic resource, as well as the strengthening of the crafts’ contribution to wealth creation, employment support, and the realization of broad-based and equitable development.
