Evaluation of the heritagisation process of Algerian medinas from the perspectives of stakeholders and residents: the case of Bouna El Haditha, Annaba, Algeria

Abstract The objective of this article is to evaluate the heritagisation process and the degree of integration of the Annaba medina, Bouna El Haditha, by analysing the divergences and convergences between the viewpoints of various stakeholders and residents. Located in northeastern Algeria, Bouna was built in the 11th century by the Zirid dynasty. This medina underwent profound transformations during the French colonial period and continues to suffer the effects of time and human interventions, which altered its heritage values. An expert assessment of the sector's buildings in 2013 revealed that 71.54% of them were in a very advanced state of decay. In the same year, this heritage was classified as a protected area, despite the state of conservation of its architectural and urban heritage, raising a debate about the uncertain preservation of its value and numerous questions about its heritagisation process. Our methodology integrates an analysis of the literature related to the concept of heritagisation, combined with qualitative and quantitative approaches. The evaluation grid we designed is inspired by the MATEA model (Models for Architectural Analysis, Theory, and Experimentation). It is structured around three dimensions—a change in status, condition, and use—and six key subdimensions—awareness, selection, justification, conservation, valorisation, and exposure. These elements, defined in our literature review, are at the heart of the heritagisation process. The study reveals that the steps of the heritagisation process have not been followed and that this medina has undergone a de-heritagisation process, despite its status as a national heritage site.