This photo taken on July 25, 2026, shows a view of the blue and white village of Sidi Bou Said, north of Tunisia. Tunisia's iconic village of Sidi Bou Said has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the country's Ministry of Cultural Affairs said on Saturday. (Photo by Adel Ezzine)

NNA News - Tunisia's historic village of Sidi Bou Said has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising its architectural heritage and cultural significance along the Mediterranean coast. The decision was adopted during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, South Korea, from 19 to 29 July.

In a statement, Tunisia's Ministry of Cultural Affairs said the village was recognised for its "outstanding universal value", citing its distinctive architecture, rich cultural heritage and centuries-long contribution to Mediterranean civilisation. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the ancient ruins of Carthage, Sidi Bou Said is renowned for its blue-and-white buildings, cobblestone streets and panoramic coastal views.

Founded in the 14th century, the village is named after the Sufi scholar Abu Said al-Baji, whose sanctuary became the centre around which the settlement developed over the centuries. Ridha Shili, a heritage professor and adviser to Tunisia's cultural authorities, told Xinhua that Sidi Bou Said attracts approximately 4.5 million international visitors each year, making it one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

This photo taken on July 25, 2026, shows a view of the Gulf of Tunis seen from the blue and white village of Sidi Bou Said, north of Tunisia. (Zhou Haojin)

The UNESCO inscription is expected to strengthen efforts to preserve the village's historic character while enhancing its international profile as a cultural tourism destination. With the addition of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia now has 10 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List, placing it among the African and Arab countries with the largest number of UNESCO-listed heritage sites.