Euromediterranean Heritage Days

A study into the feasibility of extending heritage days to southern countries

This scheme started in Europe more than 20 years ago with the simple aim of giving occasional public access to rarely visited sites; a formula so successful, it now offers far wider cultural activities. However, the Mediterranean Partners involved, (Syria, Jordan,Tunisia and Morocco) had different visions about what heritage means - and how it should be promoted. Although Jordan already had 'Heritage Week, Tunisia 'Heritage Month', and Morocco 'World Monument Day,' these initiatives were different in nature and generally aimed at a small group of informed people. Moreover national heritage policies in these countries didn't necessarily include raising public awareness. As a result, these Partners felt it was still too early to launch a Heritage Day style awareness campaign. However, they set up a cultural awareness exchange network that ran for four months, ending with a workshop that has led to a permanent network for the exchange of experience and expertise about promoting culture, tailored to Euro-Mediterranean needs.