The Assessment of the Authenticity and Conservation Status of Cultural Landscapes in Southern Transylvania (Romania)

Marioara Pascu,Ileana Pătru-Stupariu

doi:10.3390/geographies1010002

Abstract

The vernacular architectural style is on the verge of disappearing in Transylvania because of the depopulation of the Saxon villages of German origin as a result of massive migration to Germany. The nomination of Hărman cultural property on the UNESCO list is part of an international legal framework, and the Convention on the Vernacular Architectural Heritage protects this architectonic style because it represents the expression of a community’s culture, as well as its relations with the territory and cultural diversity. The proposed area includes a 63.47 ha perimeter of the historic centre of Hărman, consisting of a compact group of 260 houses and the entire fortified Evangelical Church. A buffer zone of 290.09 ha is included alongside this area. Thus, we propose that Hărman be nominated for the Cultural Evolutive Landscape Category under cultural criteria ii, iii, and v. The assessment of the authenticity and conservation status of Hărman cultural property was carried out by applying the following criteria: form and design, materials and substances, use and functions, and location and positioning, which apply to the tangible features of the landscape. Furthermore, the evaluation of intangible heritage was achieved by applying the following criteria: traditions, techniques and management system, language and other forms of intangible heritage, spirit, and feelings.

Highlights

According to the UNESCO operational guide, a cultural property complies with the authenticity conditions if its cultural values are honestly and credibly expressed through a range of attributes, such as “form and design, material and substances, use and functions, traditions, management techniques and systems, location and positioning, language and other forms of immaterial patrimony, spirit and sensation, and other internal and external factors” [1]
What is the degree of authenticity and preservation of the Saxon cultural heritage of Harman?
The results obtained after the assessment of the authenticity and preservation state of the Saxon buildings allow nominating the Hărman rural site to the UNESCO world heritage list

Summary

Introduction

According to the UNESCO operational guide, a cultural property complies with the authenticity conditions if its cultural values are honestly and credibly expressed through a range of attributes, such as “form and design, material and substances, use and functions, traditions, management techniques and systems, location and positioning, language and other forms of immaterial patrimony, spirit and sensation, and other internal and external factors” [1]. It developed following the needs of people, with the historical, political, and economic events that influenced their life, as well as with their culture and specific lifestyle [5] and, based on this relationship between the Geographies 2021, 1, 3–21; doi:10.3390/geographies1010002 www.mdpi.com/journal/geographies

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Conclusion