Diagnostic Study of Troglodytic Landscapes in the Zone of the Ancient Matmata in the South-East of Tunisia

Abstract

This study has been interested in the diagnostics of the landscape of the city of the ancient matmata which comes from the governorate of gabes situated southeast of tunisia. Objectives: the purpose of this research is to understand the part of integration which the population of this area adopted on the function of the relief and the natural data omnipresent, supporting this appearance of the local landscape, as well as identify ancestral techniques used by the inhabitants for the conservation of the landscape of arid szones while taking profit. A study by multi-scale analysis and analysis of the different data provided by the ministry of equipment, the national institute of heritage and the medina safeguard association, accompanied by a socio-economic survey land and the direct ocntact of local actors, has permitted to characterize these fragile and specific landscapes. Analysis of the various topographic cards with matmata land use cards allowed us to know the history of this area and reconstitute the manner that our ancestors have adopted to produce their hollow fireplaces at the level of this landscape riche en relief. We note from the investigation that the traditional practices of protection of the arid relief by the production of troglodytic habitats underground are respectful of nature, increasing the remarkable ecological and sustainable territorial development. The human habitat of the matmata area is typical thanks to a rich and diversified local know-how, which emerges a natural landscape with a very important value.this value can be envisaged by the decision-makers to install projects south of tunisia and make our heritage benefits.