Tlemcen’s Dar El-Imam reveals stunning Zellige and plaster remains

A new archaeological excavation at the historic Dar El-Imam site in Honaïne, Tlemcen, has uncovered intricately decorated plaster fragments and colorful zellige tiles, offering fresh insight into Algeria’s rich Islamic architectural heritage.

The discoveries, made during a two-week excavation led by researcher Sabrina Dahmani of the University of Tlemcen, feature floral, geometric and epigraphic motifs that are expected to help researchers better understand the site’s history through further analysis.

Archaeologists are now calling for stronger protection of the site, regarded as one of Tlemcen’s most significant historical landmarks. The excavation also served as a hands-on training project for archaeology students and employed advanced 3D laser scanning technology to digitally preserve the newly uncovered remains.