Within GEOARCHI, Gbèhouèkan Sylvestre Edjekpoto explored heritage-making and tourism issues in Ouidah.
Gbèhouèkan Sylvestre Edjekpoto, chercheur·e au sein de GEOARCHI (Université de Bretagne Sud).
Thèse soutenue en 2022 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sociétés, temps, territoires (Angers).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The thesis of Gbèhouèkan Sylvestre Edjekpoto highlights a crucial subject for Ouidah, Benin: the relationship between cultural heritage and tourism. By examining the memory of the slave trade, vodoun cultural practices, and ancient architectures, this research raises fundamental questions about how these elements can be valued without falling into the traps of Eurocentrism and touristification. This thesis is situated in a context where Benin, and more specifically Ouidah, positions itself as a place of memory and identity, but also as an increasingly sought-after tourist destination.
The city of Ouidah, with its population of over 90,000 inhabitants, is a crossroads of history and culture. It bears witness to a tragic history, that of the slave trade, which has left indelible marks on the collective memory. Local initiatives, such as the funding of the Ouidah Gate monument by the Association Vivre à Ouidah, testify to the commitment of the residents to valorize their heritage. This monument, a symbol of the painful history of the trade, has become a convergence point for visitors, but also for residents seeking to give meaning to their history. However, this dynamic is complex. The actors involved in heritage-making often have divergent interests, making the reconciliation between preservation and tourist development delicate.
The results of this study reveal the necessity of a balanced approach. It is essential to integrate the voices of local communities into heritage initiatives. This involves conducting thorough studies before any intervention, to ensure that projects meet the needs and aspirations of the residents. For example, regular consultations with community leaders and local artisans can help better understand the cultural and economic issues at stake. Indeed, heritage-making should not be seen as a mere economic opportunity, but as a process that must respect and valorize cultural identities.
Vodoun cultural practices, which are often misunderstood or stigmatized, must also be taken into account in this dynamic. Vodoun, far from being a mere religion, is a belief system deeply rooted in Beninese culture, and it plays a central role in the daily lives of the inhabitants. The enhancement of these practices can not only enrich the tourist experience but also strengthen the residents' sense of belonging to their culture.
The strategic recommendations arising from this research are clear: it is necessary to encourage the active participation of residents and avoid the pitfalls of touristification that could distort the authenticity of cultural practices. This can involve creating awareness workshops for tourists, to help them understand the importance of respecting local traditions. In summary, the thesis of Gbèhouèkan Sylvestre Edjekpoto offers concrete pathways for sustainable management of cultural heritage in Ouidah, while emphasizing the importance of collective reflection on the issues of memory and identity.
It is also crucial to think of tourism development models that are not solely based on the influx of visitors but also promote the local economy. For example, establishing tourist circuits managed by local communities can allow for a more equitable redistribution of tourism benefits. This could also encourage young people to invest in the preservation of their heritage by offering them future prospects.
In conclusion, the thesis of Gbèhouèkan Sylvestre Edjekpoto is not limited to an academic analysis but proposes a genuine reflection on how Ouidah can navigate between memory, culture, and tourism development. It is a call to action for decision-makers, tourism stakeholders, and local communities to work together to build a future where cultural heritage is not only preserved but also celebrated and shared.
Données clés
- 90 000 : Population de Ouidah en 2020, indiquant l'importance d'une gestion patrimoniale adaptée aux besoins locaux.
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Sources et accès
Gbèhouèkan Sylvestre Edjekpoto. Fabrique patrimoniale et enjeux touristiques à Ouidah (Bénin) : place de la mémoire de la traite négrière, des pratiques culturelles vodoun et des architectures anciennes. Architecture, aménagement de l'espace. Université de Bretagne occidentale - Brest; Université d'Abomey-Calavi UAC (Bénin), 2022. Français. ⟨NNT : 2022BRES0051⟩. ⟨tel-05265059⟩