The Art of Mosaic in Tunisia: Visual Heritage Memory and the Interactive Shaping of Identity

This study investigates mosaic art in Tunisia as a multidimensional practice rooted in history and enriched by civilizational, artistic, and identity-related meanings. It addresses a central research question: to what extent can applied arts—especially mosaic—serve as both a visual archive of cultural memory and a tool for constructing contemporary identity amid technological and aesthetic shifts?

The main hypothesis posits that Tunisian mosaic is not merely a decorative craft, but a living visual language capable of adaptation and regeneration, with the potential to contribute to cultural, economic, and pedagogical development. The city of El Jem serves as the case study, selected for its vibrant mosaic workshops and institutions such as "Micro Mosaic – El Jem," which represent both traditional continuity and innovative practices.



Objectives:

1. To highlight the documentary and aesthetic functions of mosaic art.

2. To analyze its role in representing Tunisia’s cultural diversity.

3. To propose practical and theoretical strategies for its sustainable development.

Significance: The research bridges academic analysis of identity formation and the practical implications of heritage preservation in the cultural economy.

Methodology: The study employs a qualitative and analytical methodology, combining field observation in El Jem, visual analysis of selected mosaic artworks, and theoretical readings on identity and visual heritage. A synthetic approach merges historical, artistic, and ethnographic perspective.