Seven Tunisian artisans distinguished by Unesco for preserving disappearing skills

UNESCO Recognizes Tunisian Artisans for Preserving Traditional Crafts

Behind every handmade object lies a skill that has sometimes been passed down through several generations. In Tunisia, 7 artisans have been awarded by UNESCO for their role in preserving traditional crafts, some of which are now threatened with extinction.

Awards Ceremony

The awards were presented on Friday as part of the "Support for the Role of Culture in Sustainable Development in Tunisia" project. They honor artisans who perpetuate ancient techniques while ensuring their transmission to new generations.

Award Winners

The winners represent several iconic specialties of Tunisian artisanal heritage:

Fatma Samet, FET 2020 laureate, for Kerkennah embroidery
Mounir Essekkal for Sejnane Jefna pottery
Mohamed Slim Elhasseni for traditional saddle making
Chokri Ben Ali for plaster sculpture and engraving
Issam Esseghir for gilding and polishing
Lasaad Challedi for wickerwork and fine reed work
Hassen Dine Jbiss for traditional tile making in Testour

Preserving Intangible Heritage

Beyond individual recognition, these awards highlight a broader issue: the preservation of intangible heritage faced with the aging of artisans, lack of succession, and competition from industrial products. This challenge is all the more important as craftsmanship remains one of the most rooted sectors in the Tunisian economy.

Artisanal Sector in Tunisia

According to the National Office of Crafts, the sector supports nearly 300,000 artisans across the country and covers 76 trades. It contributes to around 4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and represents 2% of Tunisian exports. Women play a predominant role, making up more than 80% of artisans, making this activity an important vector of economic empowerment.

Government Support

During the ceremony, attended by UNESCO representatives, Tourism Minister Sofiane Tekaya recalled that craftsmanship is a lever for economic development as well as an essential element of Tunisian cultural identity. He indicated that more than 13,000 artisans benefited from training and support programs in 2025, a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Innovation and Design Centers

The minister also announced the continuation of the creation of innovation and design centers, similar to the one recently inaugurated in Kasserine. The goal is to help artisans adapt their creations to market expectations without renouncing traditional techniques that make their uniqueness.

Strategic Challenge

This upgrade appears to be a strategic challenge for a sector that is no longer limited to the local market. In 2025, artisanal product exports approached 160 million dinars, proof that Tunisian know-how also finds its place internationally. The distinctions awarded by UNESCO thus reinforce the visibility of trades that, beyond their cultural value, also constitute a real potential for economic development.