The renovation of Ibn Khaldoun’s House, a traditional Tunisian home dating back to the 17th century, is a significant historical and cultural undertaking in Tunis. It houses a permanent exhibit showcasing the life and works of Ibn Khaldoun, along with a second floor dedicated to temporary exhibits of Tunisian art and craftsmanship. The United Arab Emirates and Tunisia have inked an agreement to refurbish Ibn Khaldoun’s House as part of an initiative for human heritage preservation.
Anticipated Restoration of Ibn Khaldoun’s House
Ibn Khaldoun‘s House, nestled in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is a residence constructed in the 17th century, adhering to the traditional Tunisian architectural style. The house is named after the renowned historian and philosopher, Ibn Khaldun.
Influenced by the Arab-Andalusian style, this building is built around marble columns, adorned with finely sculpted stucco and horseshoe arches. The walls are embellished with colorful mosaics and ceramics, which lend a unique charm to the architecture.
The site has become a historically and culturally important landmark in the country. The first floor of the house features a permanent exhibit dedicated to the life and works of Ibn Khaldoun, while the second floor is designated for temporary exhibits highlighting Tunisian art and craftsmanship, as well as hosting conferences and cultural events.
The Agreement Between Tunisia and the UAE
The United Arab Emirates and Tunisia have concluded an agreement for the renovation of “Ibn Khaldoun’s House” situated in the City of Culture, Shazly Kelibi, in Tunis. This agreement was sealed under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Abdurrahman Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, and Dr. Hayat Qatat Al-Qarmazi, Minister of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia. Also present were Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Iman Ahmed Al-Salami, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Tunisia.
“The initiative to restore the house (…) represents one of the initiatives of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre for the preservation of human heritage at all local, Arab, and international levels,” said Al Owais.
Ms. Al-Qarmazi expressed her gratitude for the enduring cultural cooperation in the field of culture and heritage between the two countries, “This signature represents a step in the right direction to strengthen the partnership between the two nations and to value the rich cultural heritage of the Arab and Islamic worlds.”
