Tunisia last Wednesday unveiled “The El Jem Tapestry Experience,” a digital platform that uses immersive storytelling to showcase the Roman-era amphitheater. The tool, presented at a press conference at the National Heritage Institute (INP), is backed by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
Available in Arabic and English at https://tapestry.cyark.org/content/el-jem, the platform combines 3D modeling, video narratives and community-driven stories, allowing global audiences to explore the site’s history and architecture via web or mobile.
“This project reflects the depth of U.S.–Tunisian cooperation and over two centuries of friendship,” said U.S. Ambassador Bill Bazzi, noting the initiative launches as the United States marks its 250th anniversary of independence.
INP Director General Tarek Baccouche announced a new joint project set to begin this summer in the ancient Berber village of Douiret, focusing on restoring traditional houses and preserving local craftsmanship.
Since 2001, the U.S. has funded nine cultural preservation projects in Tunisia, with total contributions exceeding $1 million. A previous AFCP grant of $500,000 helped restore parts of the El Jem site.
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