A qualitative approach to the conservation and valorization of abandoned rural heritage: case study of the Traras Mountains (NW-Algeria)

ABSTRACT Several threats are affecting the abandoned vernacular houses of the Traras Mountains region (NW Algeria). The disappearance of this heritage, reflecting the culture of the Traras ancient community is near. Thus, this empirical research aims at producing useful and practical information to avoid the disappearing of a valuable knowledge. It should raise awareness about Traras cultural resources and offer a context for preservation programmes. Our research approach is exploratory, with which general information about the built environment was collected through a windshield and web-mapping survey. An in-depth inquiry is carried out in the most relevant sites, gathering more accurate information. Also, Informal talks and interviews were essential to our research to understand the locals’ interpretations. This study revealed that Traras is homogeneous in terms of vernacular-built features; two typologies are found.