Conservation Status of Built Heritage in Algeria: Case study of the restoration of the Arch of Caracalla in Tebessa.

Abstract Despite the heritage conservation tradition inherited from colonial France, as promoted by the decree of November 12, 1850, restoration is a relatively recent discipline in Algeria. During the colonial era, Algerian monuments were subjected to a specific practice characteristic of the restoration architects of the time. This form of interventionism on excavation sites was limited to clearing, reworking, cleaning, and consolidation. The primary focus of interest was directed towards Roman-period sites and monuments, which were deemed to be of significant cultural and historical value and thus meriting preservation. It is evident that only a limited number of edifices from the Arab-Muslim period were preserved from demolition or repurposing, a phenomenon that can be attributed to their exceptional aesthetic qualities.