Urban Public Policies in Annaba: Between Continuity and Urban Déjà-Vu

Abstract

For several decades, the medina of Annaba (Algeria's fourth-largest city), located in the heart
of the city, has been a focus of the country's urban policies. Our specific interest in this part of
the city—the oldest—allows us to shed light on the identity constructions associated with it,
which are still emerging, and to understand the dynamics at play in its relationship to the city
and its inhabitants. Our work analyzes the effects of urban public policies, as well as interviews
with representatives of public authorities, residents, and heritage preservation associations. Our
findings will help to highlight the pitfalls and repetitions inherent in these top-down
approaches. Our objective is to initiate a genuine appreciation of the heritage space and a true
urban renewal.