Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Bid to Revive Tunis' Ancient Medina Carries Bigger Development Lessons

Lisa Bryant

   TUNIS, TUNISIA - Leila Ben Gacem guides a visitor through the Tunis
   Medina, ducking the cars and carts rattling down narrow, cobblestoned
   streets, and the occasional smear of dog poop.

   "Historically, the Medina was the heart of trade, craft and art, and
   it's structured with many souks -- each dedicated to a specific craft,"
   she says.

   She points down the maze of roads towards markets dedicated to
   coppersmiths, and those making Tunisia's famous, flat-topped chechia
   hat, which exports to Libya and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

.