The communication of heritage actors on the heritage identity of the urban Casbah: A comparative study of the Casbahs of Algiers and Bejaia

Abstract

This research sheds light on the nature of communication between heritage actors concerning the heritage identity of the Casbahs of Bejaia and Algiers. The main objective is to understand the dynamics of communication among these actors and the extent of their contribution to raising awareness of the value and identity of urban heritage. Procedurally, the research is based on a set of scientific interviews with heritage actors from official supervising bodies in Algiers and Bejaia. The theoretical framework of this study is based on Jean Davallon’s communicative approach, which aligns with the subject and its core concepts (communication, presentation, exploitation). This framework provided a fertile ground for understanding the theoretical conception of the topic and offered insights for the fieldwork by analyzing the communication practices of heritage actors in valuing the identity of the two Casbahs and exploring ways of utilizing them for cultural, social, and economic purposes.